The North Col on Everest is 7000 metres/23,000 feet high, a spectacular location with incredible views and is directly on the main climbing route for Everest from Tibet. It is located on a high snow ridge above advanced basecamp. We teach you everything you need to know in special training sessions in base camp and the few days of climbing are mainly steep walking. The actual climbing on this fun trekking peak could be best described as steep walking/climbing, with climbers attached to fixed ropes and the dates we have chosen run in conjunction with the exciting spring Everest climbing season. Climbing up to the North Col could qualify you for climbing Everest

(photo right by Ryan Waters: Climbers approaching the North Col at 6,800 metres/22,300 feet).

Lhakpa Ri is a pyramidal trekking peak at roughly the same height as the North Col, located across from Everest on the East Rongbuk Glacier. We teach you everything you need to know in special training sessions in basecamp and the few days of climbing are mainly steep walking.The actual climbing on this fun trekking peak could be best described as steep walking/climbing, with climbers roped together andthe dates we have chosen run in conjunction with the exciting spring Everest climbing season. Climbing Lhakpa Ri could qualify you for climbing Everest

Our tents at the North Col at 7000 metres-23,000 feet, also known as camp 1. Photo David O Brien. Summit seen from ABC. Ry Fable. John and Edmond working on fix line to climb Northcol. Photo Katya. Team reaching Northcol. Photo David Roeske.

Our proposed schedule allows for acclimatization, training, practice and rest. Our expedition is cautious and careful, with excellent leadership, organization, Sherpa climbers, cooks and waiters, tasty food, the best equipment, two full kitchens in basecamp plus advanced basecamp, 1000s of metres of fixed rope, rock ice and snow anchors, top-quality high altitude tents and high altitude stoves, expedition mixgas, and full safety equipment: medical oxygen, gamow bag, and extensive medical kit. You do not have to carry a heavy rucksack for any portion of the trip.

This expedition to the North Col/Lhakpa Ri maximizes many prior expeditions, years of accumulated wisdom of the high Himalaya, a strong record of reaching the top of 7000 metre/23,000 foot & 6000 metre/20,000 foot peaks: Mustagata , Aconcagua, Island Peak, Ama Dablam, Kilimanjaro, Mt. Kenya, North Col, Lhakpa Ri, and many other summits. In addition to our growing number of successful worldwide expeditions, we have an intimate knowledge of the Tibetan and Chinese officials who regulate the permit system. We have been running expeditions to Tibet since 1986, and we know all of the liaison officers, sherpas, cooks, yak drivers, and hoteliers/restaurateurs personally.back to top

Leader and staff:During the drive, trek, in Chinese Base, ABC and on the climb, our experienced staff is with you all of the way. Our helpful climbing sherpas are some of the best. They are real high-altitude star-performers and very friendly. Our western leader is a highly experienced, friendly, and well-organized professional with multiple ascents of North Col/Lhakpa Ri. Our skillful cooks prepare delicious, fresh, tasty food and hot drinks at least 3 times a day(photo right by Fredrik Strang: Trekking between basecamp and interim camp,which is located at 5,800 metres/19,000 feet, and halfway to ABC).

On trek: Our western leader, together with friendly and helpful sherpas, cooks and local people leading yak caravans carry all of your personal equipment, group equipment, and set up camp each day, prepare and serve delicious meals, so you can relax and enjoy the trek. You do not need to carry a heavy rucksack during the trek.

Our comfortable basecamp and ABC: Features your own private sleeping tent that will be all your own, not needing to be shared with anyone. We have comfortable, heated dining tents with tables and chairs where our cooks and waiters will serve you delicious meals

On the mountain: Our western leader and group sherpas will fix the route, set up the high camps and carry the group equipment, such as tents, stoves, etc. If you wish to help out, we welcome you to do so, otherwise just relax and focus on getting well acclimated and achieving your goals. You do not need to carry a heavy rucksack during the climb. back to top

Everest National Park: The park is situated among rolling, vast green (in May-June) short-grass and boulder strewn valleys leading up to the base of the mountain. The environment is beautiful and stark, inhabited with wild birds and animals. Upon reaching basecamp, you trek towards the mountain, where the vegetation changes to become more alpine and rocky, with the mountain looming upwards and the best views of Mt. Everest possible from this altitude, either in Tibet or Nepal.Plants in the park range from spruce, pine, a wide variety of evergreen trees, as well as coldbelt grasslands. Many precious animals inhabit Tibet, such as antelope, deer, fox, gazelles, yaks, and many species of birds (photo right by Ryan Waters: Our comfortable ABC at 6400 metres/21,000 feet. Located at the foot of Everest, this is perhaps the highest basecamp in the world. This is an exciting place to be, as teams from all over the world are preparing or in motion to climb the highest peak on the planet).

Drive to basecamp: Our drive from Kathmandu, into Tibet and finally to basecamp is a relaxing and interesting adventure. We stop in medieval looking towns with dirt streets, experience Tibetan culture, while stopping to walk each day or so in the beautiful surrounding hills to acclimate to the rising altitude. It offers a great chance to encounter the vast Tibetan plateau and the surrounding Himalayan Giants. We end at Chinese base camp at 5200 metres/17,000 feet, which is located just near the ancient and active Rongbuk Monastery. Along the way we stay and eat at rustic hotels at the organizer's expense.

Lhasa option:If you wish to add on a tour of the ancient city of Lhasa before arriving at basecamp, this is easily arranged so please let us know. Most people will prefer to fly to Kathmandu first to take advantage of the excellent equipment shopping there, then fly to Lhasa. The price includes a spectacular flight from Kathmandu to Lhasa over the Mount Everest massif. Some people prefer to fly to Lhasa from another city in China and we can also assist you with these arrangements.back to top

Yaks are ready for loads. Photo David O'Brien. Team Members are Chinese Basecamp. Near camp 3. Photo David O Brien

Trek to advanced basecamp:A beautiful trek to the base of the highest peak in the world. This trek is very accomplishable by the average person who enjoys walking. Normally, you never step on snow and there is no climbing, only walking on moraine trails. From basecamp we trek up the amazing Rongbuk glacier, also known as the "Golden Highway", where there are gorgeous views of stunning peaks in the area, including Lakpa-Ri and all of its "Little Sisters", as well as Changtse and of course Everest. At 6,400 meters/21,000 feet, Advanced Basecamp (ABC) must be the highest basecamp in the world.

Walking/Climbing Lhakpa Ri or North Col:

North Col: After ABC, clip in to the fixed ropes for a sloping glacier walk up to the North Col (camp 1) at 7000 metres/24,900 feet. The North Col on Everest is gained by trekking moderate snow with an ascending device (jumar), descender, ice axe and crampons. The slopes are 20 to 48 degrees with one small 5 metre/16 foot-high ice-step, all safely ascended and descended on fixed ropes. North Col is a pass between the Everest North East Ridge and beautiful Mount Changtse. There are incredible views here, looking towards Pumori in Nepal, as well as Lhakpa Ri (Photo right by Tunc Findik: Slightly above ABC, one of our Everest climbing expedition members is heading up to ascend the North Col, where camp 1 is located at 7000 metres/23,000 feet).

Lhakpa Ri: From ABC we head across the glacier to the pyramidal mountain on the flanks of the East Rongbuk Glacier.The walk follows a shallow, snow-filled depression on the southwest flank, ascending low-angled snow for the first half of the rise. It then steepens to angles of 30 to 35 degrees. After gaining the crest of the ridge close to the Lhakpa La, the route turns south and follows the snow ridge to the summit. Upon reaching the summit, we are afforded some of the best views of Everest and the surrounding Himalaya from either the Nepal or Tibet side.

Annette and Lhotse summiter Herman Kristen (the first Dutchman to summit Mt. Lhotse in 2008), near the summit of Lhakpa Ri (Peter Hage). Dawa Sherpa assisting Ken Stalter across a crevasse on the North Col (Dan Mazur). Members climbing to North Col - Photo Scott Patch. Adi Koszta climbing up to the North Col.

Rest Days: We will be taking a lot of them throughout the expedition. During our rest days we will relax and enjoy a bit of walking and exploring in the surrounding countryside and local hills to get great views of Everest and the other Himalaya Giants. We encourage you to concentrate on recovering, eating and drinking, to read, relax, listen to music and stroll around visiting other teams.back to top

Who is this trip for?

We encourage men and women from around the world, of all ages to join us as an individual team member or with your own group , whether that is your spouse, partner, friends, sibling, clients, colleagues, etc. Most of our members join as individuals, our team dynamics work well, and we are able to build successful and safe groups of people that enjoy trekking, climbing, and traveling together(photo right by Tunc Findik: One of our team members taking a short hike above Chinese basecamp. On our rest days along the trek, we will have plenty of time to trek and explore the surrounding Tibetan plateau and get spectacular views of the Himalaya all around us. The pace allows you to do as little or as much hiking as you feel comfortable with, as you slowly acclimate to the rising altitude before setting out to ABC).

During the Lhakpa-Ri/North Col expedition, we teach you all of the skills needed to ascend safely in special training sessions in basecamp and advanced basecamp. Our training covers glacier travel, ascending and descending ropes safely, etcetera. If you do not already know about mountaineering you are welcome to join us and see how you feel at 7000 metres/23,000 feet.

If you decide you like it, we welcome you to join one of our 8000 metre climbs the next season, or if you are determined, a few weeks after climbing Lhakpa-Ri or the North Col, you could try going for the summit of Everest, or Cho Oyu the 6th highest mountain in the world.

To participate in this expedition you must be a very fit and active winter-walker in good health. Prior to joining our group, please see your doctor and obtain the necessary permission and advice.back to top

Member using fixed rope while climbing up NorthCol. Photo Chris Bailley. Member using fixed rope while climbing up NorthCol. Photo Chris Bailley.

Please "click" one of the links on the column on the upper right of your screen under "Everest Tibet Training Climb" to learn more about our expedition. back to top

In addition to our top-quality high-altitude tents, we now provide an individual tent (1 tent per person) in basecamp.

Your trip includes 2 free Kathmandu hotel nights at the beginning and two free Kathmandu hotel nights at the end of the trip. You will be sharing. If you do not wish to share, you can pay an extra $20 for a single room (during any of the included 4 nights). If you want a room for extra nights, outside of the included 4 nights, the price will be $30 (single room). Price includes good delicious breakfast and mandatory 25% Nepal government tax and government service charge. Meals in Kathmandu (other than breakfast) are at your expense. Please bring cash (credit cards are rarely accepted) to pay for your expenses and extra nights and / or your single supplement. We often stay at the comfortable three star Hotel Shakti. Its an excellent and classic hotel surrounded by green gardens and located in the heart of the city action near many delicious restaurants, the city's best mountain equipment shopping, and abundant nightlife all within a few minutes walk. The Shakti Hotel also offers lots of entertaining day trip (and night outing) options such as city tours, walking tours, rock climbing, mountain biking, wild game safaris, horse back riding, art classes, volunteer opportunities at orphanages, hospitals, schools, women's centres, bird watching, cooking classes, sport fishing, day peak climbing, herbal medicine seminars, day hikes, pottery classes, car tours, sightseeing, temple tours, henna handpainting classes, health spas, massage, swimming, beauty spas and hair stylist salons, motorbiking, yoga courses and retreats, river rafting, painting, sculpture, and handicrafts classes, golf, language courses, kayaking, writing seminars, poetry workshops, bungie jumping, all types of religious worship, canyoning, hot tubs, health club, saunas, fitness center, ayurvedic spa treatments, Mount Kailash Treks, night clubs, meditation retreats, gourmet restaurants, cultural dance performances, wine tasting, pedicures and manicures, casino gambling, barber shops, discotheques, dance clubs, airport transfers, Scenic Flights Around Mount Everest, dance classes, cooking classes, sampling micro brews, trying Nepalese Cuisine, handicrafts and carpet shopping, looking for good deals on outdoor gear, climbing gear and trekking gear, "designer" clothing, and watches, and much much more.

Organization:During this full-service expedition, you will benefit from the organization provided by Dan Mazur. He is a relaxed, friendly and well organized person, and a highly-skilled professional with years of experience in getting people to the summit and back down with the highest attention to safety. He has been leading and organizing successful and safe overland, trekking, and mountaineering expeditions for over 20 years, to Tibet, Nepal, Tadjikistan, Pakistan, India, China, Africa, and North America. For more about Dan, please "click" on theLeadership linkback to top

Sherpas and Equipment Transport: Our expedition includes transport of all of your equipment from Kathmandu to advanced basecamp, and returned to Kathmandu. We could also bring you to basecamp from Lhasa, Tibet. More and more members are choosing to take the Lhasa option. While climbing on the mountain, we DO NOT ask our full-service members to carry heavy group equipment (although it is an option if you really want to), such as tents, rope, fuel, food, etcetera. We employ climbing sherpas, and high-altitude porters, to carry group equipment and supplies.

Cooks and Food: On the road we eat in the local restaurants as available. In basecamp and advanced basecamp our skillful and hard working cooks prepare three hot meals each day with a very healthy diet of fresh vegetables, cheeses, eggs, and fresh as well as tinned fruits, meats and fish (all meats and fish are prepared separately out of respect for the vegetarians in our midst). They supply you with unlimited hot-drinks, the key to successful acclimatization. We have large weather-proof kitchens and dining tents, with comfortable chairs and tables. On the mountain, above advanced basecamp, we provide you with abundant and nutritious locally available quick-cooking food, so that you may prepare at least three meals and lots of hot drinks each day, in our specially designed high-altitude stoves using our butane-propane expedition mix fuel.

We provide you with a special high altitude stove and fuel canisters. Our stoves are of the "hanging" type, designed to be used inside the tent (well ventilated of course). We have found these to be the best possible stoves for high altitude use, as it is essential to cook inside the tent during stormy weather. Our stoves are suspended above the floor so you have room to sit comfortably and warmly in your sleeping bag while cooking.

Our high altitude fuel is of two types. Above 7000 metres/23,000 feet we use imported propane/butane 250 gramme canisters. Below 7000 metres/23,000 feet we refill the canisters with propane gas. Liquid fuel does not work above 6000 metres/19,700 feet so we don't use liquid fuel above basecamp or advanced basecamp.

The team practicing ascending and descending the fixed ropes in ABC at 6400 metres/13,100 feet. The low-angle ice we are practicing on is a very safe branch of the Rongbuk glacier (Elselien te Hennepe). back to top

Group Equipment:We provide a plethora of top-quality, and time-tested equipment, group gear, and supplies, including: rope, ice, rock, and snow anchor protection; basecamp, advanced basecamp and altitude tents; cookers, fuel, high-altitude food, walkie-talkie radios, bamboo marker wands, etcetera. We now provide an individual tent for each member in basecamp, so you do not have to share. We also have shower and toilet tent for Basecamp. Please see the above EQUIPMENT link, to study what we bring for your use and safety.

Safety:BOTH full-service and basic expeditions are allowed access to our extensive communications equipment, medical supplies, first-aid kits, medical oxygen, and a gamow bag in case of emergency. Thank you for being a well-prepared and safe team member!back to top

Your Nepal visa is conveniently purchased by you upon arrival at the Kathmandu airport. It is not necessary to purchase a Nepalese visa prior to landing in Nepal. The cost of a 90 day visa was $100 USD & 30 days visa cost $60. Please bring cash and 2 extra passport-sized photos (extra photos are necessary to obtain the visa in the airport). Because the expedition is in Tibet, we provide special support to you in Kathmandu in organizing your Tibet-China visa. Be ready to pay up to $220 USD (US citizens) and $165 USD (non-US citizens) for your Tibetan visa. It may be cheaper, but we will tell you and provide a receipt. Thank you. Please Note: Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months fom the END of the expedition and contain at least 2 blank pages.

Additional expenses like bottled or canned drinks on the trek, tips and gratuities, and expenses of a personal nature (ie: laundry or gift shopping) are not included.

We recommend the following tip for our group staff: North Col & Everest Training Climb: $250. Expect to pay the above tip no matter what.

For the "summit-attempt bonus" a group Sherpa who helps you to climb above the high camp or up to the summit and back down, expect to pay $250 per Sherpa for summit success and $150 per Sherpa for an attempt on the summit, where you tried but did not succeed. That amount of money may be split between the climbers in the summit party. If you have a personal Sherpa, your tip will be more. Thank you very much.

Car or Jeep hiring for Tibet members: Please note that your amount of cash you need to bring is about $1300 more than our Nepal trips because it costs that much to hire a jeep to take you out early if you wish to leave before the scheduled end date of the itinerary.back to top

Access to team fixed ropes and camps (sites, not tents), coordinated with our own "full-service" climbing team.

Airport transfers from Kathamandu Tribhuvan International Airport to your hotel and back at the end of the expedition.

Your trip includes 2 free Kathmandu hotel nights at the beginning and two free Kathmandu hotel nights at the end of the trip. You will be sharing. If you do not wish to share, you can pay an extra $20 for a single room (during any of the included 4 nights). If you want a room for extra nights, outside of the included 4 nights, the price will be $30 (single room). Price includes good delicious breakfast and mandatory 25% Nepal government tax and government service charge. Please bring extra cash to pay for your extra nights and / or your single supplement. We often stay at the comfortable three star Hotel Shakti. Its an excellent and classic hotel surrounded by green gardens and located in the heart of the city action near many delicious restaurants, the city's best mountain equipment shopping, and abundant nightlife all within a few minutes walk. The Shakti also offers lots of entertaining day trip (and night outing) options such as city tours, walking tours, rock climbing, mountain biking, wild game safaris, horse back riding, art classes, volunteer opportunities at orphanages, hospitals, schools, women's centres, bird watching, cooking classes, sport fishing, day peak climbing, herbal medicine seminars, day hikes, pottery classes, car tours, sightseeing, temple tours, henna handpainting classes, massage, swimming, beauty salon, motorbiking, yoga retreats, river rafting, painting classes, golf, language courses, kayaking, writing seminars, bungie jumping, religious worship, canyoning, hot tubs, health club, saunas, fitness center, spa treatments, Mount Kailash Treks, night clubs, meditation retreats, gourmet restaurants, cultural dance performances, wine tasting, pedicures and manicures, casino gambling, barber shop, discotheques, airport transfers, Scenic flights around Mount Everest and much much more. Meals in Kathmandu are at your expense.

Please click one of the links below to view that section of our Lhakpa Ri/North Col daily itinerary or scroll down. If you choose to do the Lhasa option, please note the slight itinerary alterations on days 3-7.

Note: This is a proposed schedule, which has been developed through previous trips. The actual itinerary of your trip can differ depending on such factors as weather and local conditions. For example, the trip may finish earlier than these dates, or we may need every single day of the schedule. Thank you for being patient and flexible when coming to a foreign country like Nepal.

18) Walk partway up the North Col and down, camp in ABC.19) Walk up to the top of the North Col (7,000 metres/23,000 feet) and return to ABC20) Extra day in case of weather, acclimatization, etc. Back to top

Going Home:

21) Yaks transport equipment to Chinese base. Members walk down.

22) Early morning drive to Gyirong. Hotel.

23) Early morning drive to Kathmandu.

24) In Kathmandu. Final packing, celebration, saying goodbye to new friends.

The North Col on Everest is 7000 metres/23,000 feet, high and a spectacular location with incredible views and is located directly on the main climbing route for climbing Everest from Tibet. Climbing up to the North Col could qualify you for climbing Everest. It is located on a high snow ridge above advanced basecamp. The slopes are 20 to 48 degrees. The North Col on Everest is gained by ascending a steep snow and ice face with an ascending device (jumar) and ice axe and crampons. The climbing could be best described as steep walking/climbing, with climbers attached to fixed ropes at all times, and the dates we have chosen feature some of the most stable weather, with avalanche conditions at their most safest of the year. Our proposed schedule allows for plenty of acclimatization, training, practice and rest, as well as two possible summit attempts. Our style of climbing is cautious and careful, with excellent leadership, organization, Sherpa climbers, cooks and waiters, tasty food, the best equipment, two full kitchens in basecamp plus advanced basecamp, 1000s of metres of fixed line, hundreds of rock ice and snow anchors, top-quality high altitude tents and high altitude stoves, expedition mix gas, and full safety equipment: medical oxygen, gamow bag, and extensive medical kit.

This expedition to Lhakpa Ri and the North Col (Sometimes spelled Lakpa Ri / Northcol) maximizes many years of accumulated wisdom of the high Himalaya, a strong record of reaching the top of 8,000ers: Everest, K2, Kangchenjunga, Lhotse, Makalu, Cho-Oyu, Shishapangma, and many other 8,000 metre summits, in addition to more than 25 Himalayan expeditions, in all safety, along with an intimate knowledge of the Tibetan and Chinese officials who regulate the permit system. We have conducted countless 7000 metre peak expeditions, and consider ourselves specialists in identifying, organizing expeditions to, and getting teams safely to the summit and back down, of the world's 7000ers. We have been running expeditions to Tibet since 1986, and we know all of the bureaucratic officials, liaison officers, yak drivers, and hoteliers/restaurateurs personally.back to top

Itinerary-

The proposed itinerary allows enough time for proper acclimatization, rest days, and several returns to base camp where the kitchen and base camp staff can look after all of your needs, and quell your appetite. The weather at this time of year is normally quite good and stable. However, we all know the global weather is changing, and in case of storms, you will note the proposed itinerary includes extra days as well. In previous expeditions, half of those who reached the summit needed every single "extra" day. back to top

Weather-

At low elevation, the temperatures can vary from 27°c to -7°c ( 80°f to 20°f). At higher elevations, the temperature can vary from 16°c to -23°c (60°f to -10°f). The wind is the most chilling factor, and can be quite variable, with everything from a flat calm, to hurricane force on the summit. There may be deep snow, heavy rains, mosquitoes in wet areas, blowing dust, burning heat, bright sunshine.

Arriving in Kathmandu-

The trip begins in the ancient and colorful city of Kathmandu (you could also start in Beijing). You stay in a comfortable, simple, clean, hot-water hotel, at minimal cost and sample some of the very reasonably-priced tasty Nepalese, Tibetan and Western-Style cuisine, available at the hundreds of local restaurants. During your free days in Kathmandu, while your Chinese visa is being processed, you shall finalize arrangements, purchase and hire the bits of equipment you might be missing at the hundreds of mountain-climbing and trekking equipment shops in the neighborhood (with low prices, as well), and take time out for trinket hunting, with suggested visits to explore the 17th century splendors of the Monkey Temple, the Durbar Square and old Kings Palace, as well as the ancient cities of Patan, and Bakhtapur. We also have several member and training sessions during these days, where our leaders spend time with you reviewing climbing techniques and equipment, going over medical and safety procedures, etcetera. If you are concerned about the altitude and have purchased Diamox (acetylzolamide) , which is inexpensively available with no doctor's prescription in Kathmandu, this might be the time to begin taking it.back to top

Optional Tour of Lhasa-

Some members wish to add an optional trip to Lhasa before reaching basecamp. If this includes you, most members will fly to Kathmandu first, then to Lhasa. Some people prefer to fly to Lhasa from another city in China and we can also assist you with these arrangements. For those flying from Kathmandu, you take a 1 hour and 45 minute flight in a jet over Mt. Everest and the spine of the Himalaya, arriving in Tibet's capital city. In the past, we have had some fabulous views out of the plane windows during this flight.

At 3650 metres/12,000 feet of elevation, Lhasa was established around 600 AD on the banks of the Brahmaputra River. The heart of the city is centered around the Jokhang Temple, the most sacred building in all of Tibet. Our simple hotel is not too far from the famous Potale palace, Jokhang palace and the renowned Barkhor Market, where you can shop for exotic handicrafts and religious art from all across Tibet, China, and Buddhist India.

After flying to Lhasa, upon arrival you will rest for 2 nights and one day. It's important that you use the rest day to get acclimated to the high altitude.

It is a three day drive from Lhasa to basecamp. From Lhasa, you will set out in government cars across the Tibetan plateau to meet the rest of the team in Tingri, before reaching Everest basecamp.

The following morning after your day in Lhasa, you will drive to Shigatse at 3650 metres/12,000 feet, the second largest city in Tibet, with a famous Monastery. The road winds along the massive Brahmaputra River, past traditional warren-like Tibetan farm towns. In Shigatse, you can have a look around and try to visit the 15th century Tashilunpo Monastery, the largest active monastic institution in Tibet. Monks in maroon robes seem to be everywhere, going about their daily chores, praying, and practicing ceremonial music performances.

After Shigatse, you will make the scenic drive to the ancient city of Lhaze (Lhatse), at 4000 metres/13,100 feet . At the western end of town is the small Changmoche Monastery, which you may visit while there. You can see interesting views of the surrounding Tibetan plateaus and hills.

The Tashilunpo Monastery in Shigatse, where more than 700 monks live and worship in the Buddhist religion. (Photo: J. Otto)

A Tibetan farmer brings his goods to market on the road near Lhaze. (Photo D.L. Mazur)

Driving to Basecamp-

After the finalization of your Chinese visa, early morning drive to Rusuwaghadi at 2557 metres, 8389 feet. We clear Nepalese customs and immigration, and then hire local porters and vehicles to carry your bags across broader. Upon entering Tibet, the clocks immediately go forward by 2 ¼ hours. Our secondary government liaison officer will meet us in Gyirong. After clearing Tibetan customs and immigration, we will stay rest & acclimatization in Gyirong. Walk around the local hills. Hotel.

Bouldering in Nyalam on our rest day (Felix Berg). On the road to Tingri, Himalayan Giants in the background (DL Mazur). Our sturdy Tibetan trucks carry the equipment, here being loaded by our Sherpas (Tim Spear).

In the morning we continue our bus-ascent into the Tibetan plateau, to the town of Tingri at 4,342 meters/14,200 feet. There are superb views of Shishapangma, Cho-Oyu, and Everest as we drive into Tingri. The town itself is a very basic one-street hamlet surrounded by the tents of nomadic Tibetans. About ½ of all ethnic Tibetans living in Tibet are nomadic or semi-nomadic. Our extremely rustic little hotel has an adequate restaurant, and it will be interesting to see if the high altitude has quelled our appetites for tasty fresh food. There are the ruins of an old fortress on a rise above town, and from here we can see the finest views of Everest , Lhotse, Cho-Oyu, and Shishipangma. We will take a rest day the following day in Tingri to adjust to the altitude.

A stop along the road near Tingri. There is a simply developed hot springs here. Only the very brave are able to tempt fate by entering the dirty water(Bruce Manning). back to top

The following morning, after what for many is a relatively sleep-free night, we drive the 70 kilometers/40 miles, to Everest base camp at around 5,200 meters/17,000 feet. The drive follows a dirt road along the Rongbuk Valley and has spectacular views of the Himalaya. Chinese base camp is located just near the medieval and active Rongbuk Monastery.

We will spend another 5 days resting, acclimatising, exploring the surrounding hills and organizing equipment into Yak loads at Chinese base.

We then spend the next day moving up to the "interim camp", which is located at 5,800 metres/19,000 feet, and halfway to the "advanced basecamp (ABC)". We will also take 2 rest days to acclimate to the change in altitude.

Yak train heading up to interim camp (Bruce Manning). Interim Camp at 5800 metres/19,000 feet, where we acclimate for a day or two before heading up to ABC (Tim Spear).

Next, we spend two days working our way up to ABC. 6,400 meters/21,000 feet, ABC must be the highest basecamp in the world. It is located on a rocky moraine next to the Rongbuk Glacier.

Franck walking up the Rongbuk to ABC (Tim Spear). Our comfortable ABC at 6400 metres/21,000 feet, A view of the mountain at sunset from ABC (Ryan Waters).

Upon reaching ABC, we will take another rest and acclimatization day, this time going over our equipment, safety procedures, climbing techniques, cooking and camping methods, and working to form ourselves into a more cohesive team. back to top

Climbing Lhakpa Ri or the North Col

After resting and completing our training, we will begin our climb of Lhakpa Ri or the North Col.

Through the following 4 days, we will cautiously climb the mountain, fixing rope where necessary, according to the schedule suggested below. After ascending to the 7,045 metre/23,100 foot summit of Lhakpa Ri, or climbing up to the 7,000 metre/23,000 foot North Col on Everest, we will descend and make our way back down to advanced basecamp.

Climbers approaching the North Col at 6800 metres/22,300 feet. Lines are fixed here for safety. Our tents at the North Col at 7000 metres, also known as camp 1. Climbers Walking up to the 7500 metre/24,600 feet, camp, also known as camp 2. You can see the tents in the North Col in the background (Ryan Waters). Our team members on the summit of Lhakpa Ri on a perfect day in the Himalaya (Dale Wagner). back to top

Going Home-

After packing up all of your equipment, supplies, and rubbish, you will make a short return trek and drive to Tingri, have a feast at the restaurant and stay in the hotel. The following morning, you are up early, and drive all the way down to Gyirong, hire porters to carry everything over the Nepal Boarder, and then catch a bus into Kathmandu, where you can enjoy a hot shower and a grand Nepalese western-style feast. In Kathmandu, you can have a day to relax, celebrate, tour the valley, write postcards, and do a bit more shopping, before heading home. We hope you had a safe, enjoyable, and successful adventure. Thanks for joining in! back to top

Here is what Edmond says: I vouch for it! A great trip and a chance to stand on Everest's shoulder.

Here’s what John has to say: I think that everyone did a great job. I was surprised at the logistics there are in getting people from all over the world organized and geared properly and to the starting point, let alone up the mountain. Very impressive!

The trip leaders, sherpa’s, cooks, and drivers were all first rate. We had a great Sherpa and didn’t seem to need much from the team leader. If anyone is unsure whether they can go for the summit or not, then this is a good way to feel all of the parts of the climb. You can then decide later if you think that you can summit the next time. (or at least try) I am in that exact thought process now! I could not have been happier with everything

John and Edmond working on fix line to climb Northcol. Photo Katya. John and Edmond are in ABC. Photo-Katya.

Here is what Steven Says: I just wanted to say thanks to all of the SummitClimb team for a great trip, as you know things were up and down and changing almost every day and in some cases every hour.

The SummitClimb leader did a great job with me and the clients he has, I realise the rest of the group are still on Everest or Cho I am back home now and just wanted to say Thanks for all your help.Can you please pass on my best regards to everyone.

Here is what Tom says: It was an awesome expedition. Solid team. The sherpas were dedicated, friendly, good English. Top-notch food and accommodation. Lots of jokes and good times. The leader was a champ. Thanks for putting it all together. It was a privilege to be a part of it. I still look at my high altitude boots everyday and wish i was back there =). Thanks, Tom

(photo by Ryan Waters: Climbers approaching the North Col at 6,800 metres/22,300 feet).(photo by Fredrik Strang: Trekking between basecamp and interim camp,which is located at 5,800 metres/19,000 feet, and halfway to ABC).

Here is what Troy says: "First of all thanks for everything. I appreciate everything you did to make this a safe and successful expedition."Here is what Bruce says: "I thought the expedition worked well and it was another good group of people you put together. I look forward to climbing together again and seeing you next time."

Annette and Lhotse summiter Herman Kristen (the first Dutchman to summit Mt. Lhotse in 2008), near the summit of Lhakpa Ri (Peter Hage). Dawa Sherpa assisting Ken Stalter across a crevasse on the North Col (Dan Mazur).

Here is what Phil has to say:"The expedition is ideal for individuals or groups of climbers who wish to participate in a Himalayan expedition at a reasonable price. The price is only slightly higher than the cost of organizing your own independent expedition. You have the wealth of experience provided by the organizers and land leaders, who use no middlemen, dealing directly with the government mountaineering office.

Allows a member to experience the Himalayas a little bit as the first pioneer climbers did when there was no such thing as commercial expeditions. Some climbers without the contacts and knowledge to organize their own trip will enjoy how all logistics are taken care of by professionals, from your arrival at the airport to your departure from the staging city.

All group equipment and oxygen used is of the finest quality and replaced on a frequent basis. Leaders are professional climbers, there to assist the members and give advice rather than just dragging someone to the summit and down. The western leaders and local Nepalese and Tibetan Sherpas are some of the best, season after season.

The style of expedition is structured but relaxed with all team members having a say in the day to day running of the trip, although the leaders have the final decision on issues that effect the safety of the team. Of course, some people will prefer to pay the higher prices asked by some of the professional guiding companies.

The expedition provides similar high mountain and base camp food and equipment as the higher priced companies, and especially pride themselves on the training of the Nepalese and Tibetan sherpas in technical climbing, and assisting the members in every way. The kitchen staff are diligent in their tasty food production, preparing plenty of hot drinks, and hygiene practices.

You come home after the expedition with a sense of achievement and friendship. You have been a team member in an expedition rather than a guided client."

"It’s a full service expedition with everything taken care of. Or you can go in simple style with the basic climb.

It involves some very interesting history of Mallory and Irvine and the 1920s expeditions.

SummitClimb's strong team has fixed the route two years in a row.

It's less of a circus atmosphere.

There is a nice slow pace of approach and climb.

The challenging and breathtaking trek to ABC along the "miracle highway" has been referred to as "like crossing the moon".

There are many rest periods at low altitude villages between forays to the cold and windy heights. It keeps you strong.

Our leaders are very team focused, dedicated and hard working, with attention to the member's needs and details.

Our teams are focused on letting each member go at his/her own pace with support from our leaders and sherpas.

We have excellent staff and Sherpas.

The basecamp food is excellent with plenty of hot drinks.

Our equipment is strong and plentiful."

Here is what Garth had to say:

"Good that we are all back safe and sound, well done to you! I had a fantastic time out in Tibet, what an incredible experience. Jon, the Prentice Brothers and myself left Tibet saying that we would return

We take our member's feedback and testimonials seriously. These help us to refine and make our Lhakpa Ri/North Col expeditions a successful, safe, and enjoyable experience for our future teams.

Leadership: During this full-service expedition, you will benefit from the leadership provided by David O'Brien

David at summit of Everest. Photo Chris Bailley.

During your full-service expedition, you will benefit from the leadership provided by David O'Brien. David has climbed in the Indian and Nepalese Himalayas as well as in the Alps. He has led expeditions in the high arctic island of Spitsbergen and has a liking for the cold and remote having crossed Greenland by ski. He has organised and led overland trips in Asia and North Africa.

David has been climbing and working with Summit Climb since 2006 and is a thoughtful, considerate leader. He was assistant leader on Everest in 2010 and will be back on Everest for the fourth time this year. He is a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society and lives in London with his partner and child.

Organization:During this full-service expedition, you will benefit from the organization provided by Dan Mazur. He is a relaxed, friendly and well organized person, and a highly-skilled professional with years of experience in getting people to the summit and back down with the highest attention to safety. He has been leading and organizing successful and safe overland, trekking, and mountaineering expeditions for over 20 years, to Tibet, Nepal, Tadjikistan, Pakistan, India, China, Africa, and North America. For more about Dan, please "click" on the Leadership link above.

A meeting on the roof of our hotel, where we describe the plan of our expedition. The audience, our trekkers and climbers. Felix and Arnold demonstrating the members high mountain equipment before a shopping trip to one of Kathmandu's 50 mountain shops to purchase any needed essentials for the members (Franck Pitula).

Note: Our leaders are not guides. They are there to coordinate the expedition and may or may not climb with you personally on the mountain. Our leaders will try to do everything they can to help you, but it is your responsibility to have the skills, strength, equipment, etcetera to do this climb.If you are unsure, you may wish to hire a personal sherpa.

Sherpas:We hire Sherpas and high altitude porters in a support capacity, and now have 23 of these very experienced, friendly, strong, helpful, and loyal people on our staff, including some of Nepal and Tibet's best climbers and some of Nepal's only women Sherpas. Some of our Sherpas have been to the summit of Everest more than 7 times and countless times to Lhakpa Ri/North Col. One of our lady sherpas just became the first Nepalese woman to reach the summit of Ama Dablam, Pumori, and Cho Oyu. Many of our sherpas have personally assisted foreign climbers to the summits of more than ten of the highest peaks in the Himalaya.

Note: We strive to provide one group sherpa for each 3-4 members. The group sherpa's duty is to carry group equipment such as tents, rope, food, and gas up and down the mountain. Group sherpas help to setup and take down camps. They are also there to try to assist in any rescues, so the other team members may not have to give up their summit attempt to rescue a sick member. They will most likely be climbing and trekking with the team most of the time.

Tibetan Mountain School-We have been working with the Tibetan Mountain School to educate and train extremely strong and helpful Tibetan climbers, staff, and cooks. They have climbed Everest Tibet , Cho Oyu, Shishapangma , Mustagata , Nojin Tangla and many other summits together with us. They are not only adept and fearless climbers, but they are also learning to cook and their English is getting better. They were born and raised in Shegar, Tibet, a town which lies above 4000 metres/13,100 feet.

Our awesome Tibetan Sherpa team at Cho Oyu ABC at 5600 metres/18/400 feet, with Tunc (pronounced "toonch"). He is a strong friendly climber from Ankara. Here is what SummitClimb leader Phil has to say about the photo: "The names are from left to right: Wangdu (from Lhatze, Tibet), Tsering Dorje (Nyalam), Tashi Tsering (Shigatse), Tunc Findik (Turkey) and Aden (Shegar). Tunc has climbed Lhotse , Pumori, Broad Peak, Cho Oyu, Everest from Tibet and guides on Elbrus. All the Tibetan climbers came from the Tibetan Mountain School in Lhasa and have climbed Everest from Tibet at least once with Tashi making the summit three times. SummitClimb have been supporting the school since day one.

Our staff in Kathmandu are available to assist you 24 hours per day, seven days per week. It does not matter which day nor at what time you arrive or depart Kathmandu, they will meet your flight, take you to the hotel, help you find essential things like money changing, shopping, arrange tours of the city, etcetera.

During the Lhakpa-Ri/North Col expedition, we teach you the skills needed to climb to the summit of Everest, if you do not already know about mountaineering. Then, if you decide you like it, a few weeks after climbing Lhakpa-Ri or the North Col, you could try going for the summit of Everest, or Cho Oyu the 6th highest mountain in the world.

We welcome you to join our expedition as an individual and most of our members do. We plan to assemble our team members into groups so you should not have to climb alone, although occasionally it may happen. By the way, we are unable to accommodate 'soloists' who are not willing to climb together with other team members or sherpas from our team. The main expectation is that members will be prepared to climb with a team member or sherpa above basecamp if possible. This practice ensures that the entire team has a fun, successful, and safe time on the mountain.back to top

Fitness and Health:

To participate in this expedition you must be a very fit and active winter-walker-climber in good health. Prior to joining our group, please see your doctor and obtain the necessary permission and advice, as well as medications for travel in extremes of altitude, and also for exotic locales.

Note: You can purchase all necessary medicines inexpensively with no doctor's prescription in Kathmandu. Please make sure you have physically trained yourself very thoroughly before joining this climb. For a list of the medications we recommend you purchase, please click here . We look forward to climbing together with you!back to top

Training Prior to the Expedition:

Firstly, you should always consult your doctor before starting a rigorous exercise plan.

In the beginning, to see how you handle the training, and to avoid muscle strains that could slow your training down, you may wish to use shorter more frequent but less taxing workouts, and take more rest. After you get "up to speed" as it were, you could increase the rigour. Older climbers and walkers please take note of the latter. Also remember that swimming is an excellent form of training because it does not put stress upon your joints. Thank you.

In order to train well for your trip you should work toward excercising 3 to 4 times a week for between 40 minutes and an hour and a half each time. You should expect to work hard, and try to keep your heartrate quite high and your breathing quite heavy.

Adequate rest and a well balanced diet are also essential to avoid injury and illness before the expedition. You should sleep at least 8 hours per night, and eat 3 nutritious meals a day. Don't forget that you will perspire when you train, so try to drink at least 4 litres/quarts of water a day.

You may wish to engage the services of a personal trainer, who could help you to fine tune your fitness to a higher level while minimizing strain and maximising your potential in ways you might not have imagined. Personal trainers can also be a great motivator, as you and the trainer have your weekly session, thus you will feel an incentive to complete your planned fitness programme for that week.

Utilising both gym equipment and the great outdoors will provide a more balanced exercise programme. You should try to accomplish at least half of your workouts outside. This could include walking and running (On stairs and hills too) and cycling, but above all should be fun! Hillwalking and climbing with a pack weighing 5-10 Kilos/10-20 pounds is essential. If you don't have hills, why not go for stairs, bleachers, viewing stands, stadiums, even the stairways in tall buildings? Don't forget to spend time directly working the muscles of the legs, back and shoulders, and remember that your own body weight can be just as effective as weights, or machines.

About 6 weeks before the expedition departure date, you may wish to do 1 full day each week of hill walking, climbing or an equivalent, with a light rucksack. On that day, you would want to eventually work toward six-eight hours of continuous walking or climbing up and down hill, with 4 to 6 separate ten minute breaks and a 1/2 to 1 hour lunch break midway through.

To minimize the chance of injuring yourself, consider starting with a half day and then if you do well, increase to 2/3, then eventually to a full day, once a week.

We want you to arrive for your expedition in top shape, so please take plenty of rest and do not over-do it.

Hint: when carrying a rucksack while descending, walking, or climbing down-hill, try carrying a bit less in your rucksack in order to save your knees. Many trainers advise carrying water bottles up the hill then emptying them at the top so your rucksack is lightened for the trip down.back to top

Training During the Expedition:

Upon arrival in Kathmandu and in the base camp, ALL full-service and basic-climb members are requested to participate in one to two days of orientation to how the trip will be operated. There will be plenty of time for discussion, question answering, and for equipment review and purchasing. Training will be conducted both in Kathmandu and in basecamp in the areas of climbing techniques, glacier travel, rope fixing, ascending, descending, safety techniques, rappels (abseils), belaying, medical equipment and procedures, communications equipment, camping techniques and high-altitude cooking. For the expert and beginner alike, it is important to review these techniques in order to enhance skills, ensure safety-awareness, and work together as a team.

Below is a detailed list of equipment you need to bring for Lhakpa Ri/North Col and at the bottom is a description of team equipment that we bring for you. (Click Link below to go directly to that section of the personal equipment list or just scroll down):

At least 3 closed cell foam kari-mats for use in basecamp and high altitude, We do not recommend inflatable mats, as we have never seen one not puncture. You can buy these non inflatable mats very inexpensively in Kathmandu. Why carry foam mats around the world, when you can purchase them inexpensively in Kathmandu?

Your sleeping bags should be kept dry using waterproof stuff sacks, bin-liners, or large plastic bags. back to top

1 small bottle of hand-sanitizer suncream for skin and lips. minimum factor 20

Extra prescription glasses, contact lens supplies. Contact lens wearers, WARNING: your contact lenses might not work well on the mountain, please carry glasses at all times in case of emergency. A new pair could be quickly made in Kathmandu for just $40. Please order prior to arrival if you are interested. A new pair could be quickly made in Kathmandu .back to top

Personal Food-

Our skillful cooks prepare 3 delicious hot meals and plenty of drinks each day in basecamp and advanced basecamp.

On the mountain we supply plenty of food for you to cook 3 hot meals each day. This food will consist of soup, local cheese & sausage, biscuits, dried noodles, potatoes, rice, porridge, butter, dried and tinned vegetables, fruit, meats, and fish, tea with milk and sugar, powdered juice drink, and drinking chocolate. Our sherpas will be carrying this food to the higher camps.

We ask each member to bring their own imported daily snack and energy foods. We also ask members to bring 2 dehydrated meals (freeze-dried dinners) for their summit attempt. We do not provide cold “snack” food such as chocolate or "energy-bars". We ask that you bring or buy your own "snack" or daily cold energy food, 2-4 kilos/4-8 pounds, is a good amount. A growing variety of imported foods such as European and American cheeses, chocolates, biscuits, cookies, nuts, and locally made power-bars are now available in Kathmandu, at realistic prices. However, imported power bars, GU, re-hydration drinks, dehydrated food, "freeze-dried meals", imported cheese and sausage are not available. If you want these items, you must bring them from your home country.Many of our members, especially Britons, Europeans, and Australians with tiny baggage allowances, now purchase their daily snacks in Kathmandu. Our schedule in Kathmandu allows plenty of time for shopping.

basecamp entertainment. It is good to bring additional items which you have found to be useful on previous expeditions. For example: paperback books, playing cards, ipod mp3 player, short-wave radio, game boys, musical instruments, ear plugs, lots of batteries, etc.;

travel clothes for basecamp and in town;

Please be sure and bring your patience and try to keep an open, relaxed, positive and friendly attitude as travelling in this part of the world may be very different than what you are used to, but things always seem to fall into place at the last moment. Thank you.

This is not an exhaustive list. Please submit other equipment concerns and suggestions. Thank you. back to top

Group Equipment:

We provide a plethora of top-quality, and time-tested equipment, group gear, and supplies, including: rope, ice, rock, and snow anchor protection; basecamp, advanced basecamp and altitude tents; cookers, fuel, high-altitude food, walkie-talkie radios, bamboo marker wands, etcetera. We now provide an individual tent for each member in basecamp, so you do not have to share. We also have a shower and toilet tent for Basecamp. Please see the group EQUIPMENT link, in the menu bars above to study what we bring for your use and safety. back to top

Please fill out our online request information form . Please be sure and tell us which expeditions you are interested in and mention your experience, qualifications, etcetera . Please send us your email, postal address, and telephone number (which will remain absolutely confidential, we never share your addresses, phone numbers, or any personal details).

Firstly, carefully read all of the associated information here on the website, ask questions and discuss it with us, print out your application from this website, then complete, sign, and post the application forms, and additional required documents immediately. Include your 10 percent refundable deposit, passport photocopy, 2 passport size photos (name printed on reverse), proof of insurance, and other required documents such as flight itinerary (may be sent now or follow later).

Here is a checklist of what we need to have in your file at least two months before the trip begins. We encourage you to send an electronic scan of all of the below documents, please be sure they are signed. Thank you:

[ ] Completed Payment. Please restate payments you made and what those payments were for, ie full vs basic, sherpas, oxygen, etc.[ ] Make your Oxygen order (if any) crystal clear at this time, number of bottles, masks, payment, etc.[ ] Make your Sherpa order (if any) crystal clear at this time, personal sherpa, quarter sherpa, payment, etc. [ ] Trip Registration Form (part of 4 page form),[ ] Signed Participant Release and Acknowledgement of Risk (part of 4 page form),[ ] Signed Terms and Conditions of Booking (part of 4 page form), [ ] Signed Medical Form (part of 4 page form), [ ] 1 Passport sized photo, which is a simple, very clear picture of your face, sent as an email scan. (We simply require a picture of your face against a white background. You can take it yourself for free with your own digital camera or smart phone),[ ] Exact photocopy of passport identification pages, [ ] Exact photocopy of complete flight itinerary, [ ] Proof of mountain rescue and repatriation insurance, [ ] Proof of travel, accident, and repatriation insurance (cancellation insurance is advised).

Please do let us know what further questions you may have about the registration process, or anything else for that matter. Thank you.

We are friendly and highly experienced expedition leaders, climbers, trekkers and organizers, with a 17+ year track record of building high-quality, safe, friendly and fun climbing & trekking teams and succesfully placing our team members on the summit, helping them achieve their goals, and getting home safely. Our leaders and our top team of sherpas are not licensed guides, but some of the most qualified Himalayan mountain specialists available. We are there to assist the entire group. This is a team effort. Our leaders and sherpas are there to help all members safely and successfully climb within their abilities; including an equal chance at the summit for everyone in the team. They will try to do everything they can to help you, but it is your responsibility to have the skills, strength, equipment, etcetera to do this climb.

During the Lhakpa-Ri/North Col expedition, we teach you the skills needed to climb to the summit of Everest, if you do not already know about mountaineering. Then, if you decide you like it, a few weeks after climbing Lhakpa-Ri or the North Col, you could try going for the summit of Everest , or Cho Oyu the 6th highest mountain in the world.

We welcome you to join our expedition as an individual and most of our members do. We plan to assemble our team members into groups so you should not have to climb alone, although occasionally it may happen. By the way, we are unable to accommodate 'soloists' who are not willing to climb together with other team members or sherpas from our team. The main expectation is that members will be prepared to climb with a team member or sherpa above basecamp if possible. This practice ensures that the entire team has a fun, successful, and safe time on the mountain.

Firstly, you should always consult your doctor before starting a rigorous exercise plan.

In the beginning, to see how you handle the training, and to avoid muscle strains that could slow your training down, you may wish to use shorter more frequent but less taxing workouts, and take more rest. After you get "up to speed" as it were, you could increase the rigour. Older climbers and walkers please take note of the latter. Also remember that swimming is an excellent form of training because it does not put stress upon your joints. Thank you.

In order to train well for your trip you should work toward excercising 3 to 4 times a week for between 40 minutes and an hour and a half each time. You should expect to work hard, and try to keep your heartrate quite high and your breathing quite heavy.

Adequate rest and a well balanced diet are also essential to avoid injury and illness before the expedition. You should sleep at least 8 hours per night, and eat 3 nutritious meals a day. Don't forget that you will perspire when you train, so try to drink at least 4 litres/quarts of water a day.

You may wish to engage the services of a personal trainer, who could help you to fine tune your fitness to a higher level while minimizing strain and maximising your potential in ways you might not have imagined. Personal trainers can also be a great motivator, as you and the trainer have your weekly session, thus you will feel an incentive to complete your planned fitness programme for that week.

Please allow us to introduce you to our friend Ben Palmer. Ben is nice person and an avid climber, on rock, ice, in Scotland, the Alps and the Himalaya. Ben is uniquely qualified as a personal trainer, with four years experience as a Premier Global Level III Personal Trainer (The highest qualification available).

For more information on how to train for the expedition or for a detailed exercise regime please email Ben: ben@benpalmerfitness.co.uk . Thank you very much.

Utilising both gym equipment and the great outdoors will provide a more balanced exercise programme. You should try to accomplish at least half of your workouts outside. This could include walking and running (On stairs and hills too) and cycling, but above all should be fun! Hillwalking and climbing with a pack weighing 5-10 Kilos/10-20 pounds is essential. If you don't have hills, why not go for stairs, bleachers, viewing stands, stadiums, even the stairways in tall buildings? Don't forget to spend time directly working the muscles of the legs, back and shoulders, and remember that your own body weight can be just as effective as weights, or machines.

About 6 weeks before the expedition departure date, you may wish to do 1 full day each week of hill walking, climbing or an equivalent, with a light rucksack. On that day, you would want to eventually work toward six-eight hours of continuous walking or climbing up and down hill, with 4 to 6 separate ten minute breaks and a 1/2 to 1 hour lunch break midway through.

To minimize the chance of injuring yourself, consider starting with a half day and then if you do well, increase to 2/3, then eventually to a full day, once a week.

We want you to arrive for your expedition in top shape, so please take plenty of rest and do not over-do it.

Hint: when carrying a rucksack while descending, walking, or climbing down-hill, try carrying a bit less in your rucksack in order to save your knees. Many trainers advise carrying water bottles up the hill then emptying them at the top so your rucksack is lightened for the trip down.

We recommend that you shop carefully and frugally for your clothing and climbing equipment. Below we have listed some of the least expensive shops we know about in Kathmandu, UK, Seattle, Canada, Chamonix, and Hong Kong. If you hear of any others, we would like to know about them, as we wish to tell our members where they can purchase equipment affordably.

Kathmandu has a wide variety of inexpensive used and competitively priced equipment, boots, shoes, and clothing; In over 50 well-stocked mountaineering and trekking shops. We recommend you purchase your Millet Everest One-sport boots and crampons in Kathmandu, where a very wide selection is available for reasonable prices. We also recommend you purchase your down/duvet jacket, trousers and suit there as well, again for some of the best selection and prices to be found anywhere. Also, be sure to purchase your closed cell kari-mat foam mattresses in Kathmandu. Why bring duffle bags of foam mats on your international flight? Please send us an email to request a Kathmandu price list. If you need a pair of high altitude mitts, we don't recommend Kathmandu, but rather suggest you check out mittens by Wild Country or Outdoor Research (the OR Alti has been popular with our Cho Oyu, Everest, and Lhotse summitters).

For prices at Kathmandu shops, please "click here" . For information about using your credit, bank, cash, ATM card in Nepal & Tibet, please "click here" . For more information about how much cash to bring, please"click here" .

Below we have listed several inexpensive shops around the world. It may be best to telephone them directly with your questions, as they are very busy and do not always answer email enquiries in a timely manner. When you do contact them, always be sure to mention your name and the name of our company and expedition leaders to them, as we send them many customers and they often give our members substantial discounts. You may or may not choose to purchase the product from them, but it should give you a good idea of what the fair price for the equipment should be. We especially recommend Second Ascent in Seattle, as it has a very large selection of second hand, discontinued, and rental mountain climbing equipment and clothing.

One strategy our members often pursue is to visit Seattle for one of our Glacier Schools, and then during time set aside during the course, work together with our leaders to try-on, compare, and purchase and hire the equipment they need at one of the least expensive mountaineering shops in Seattle. It is rare to find such a good selection of equipment and clothing in one shop, but Seattle is known for its large glaciated peaks, and large community of mountaineers.

We encourage you to join us as an individual team member. Most of our members join as individuals, our team dynamics work well, and we are able to build successful and safe groups of people that enjoy climbing together.

Because there are a group of you, you can benefit from our group discounts:

2-3 persons receive a five percent discount. 4-5 persons receive a ten percent discount, and 6-8 members receive a 15 percent discount (we also provide discounts for doctors, nurses, and medical practitioners, returning members and combining trips). If you would be so kind as to send the email and postal addresses of the other person(s) in the group, we would be glad to send them the information and a colour card as well. Thanks.

We send out a newsletter with all of the logistics for your arrival in Nepal approximately one month prior to the expedition. At this point, we usually share your email address with the other team members, so you may meet one another.

At low elevation, the temperatures can vary from 27°c to -7°c ( 80°f to 20°f). At higher elevations, the temperature can vary from 16°c to -23°c (60°f to -10°f). The wind is the most chilling factor, and can be quite variable, with everything from a flat calm, to heavy on the summit. There may be deep snow, heavy rains, mosquitoes in wet areas, blowing dust, burning heat, bright sunshine.

Your Nepal visa is conveniently purchased by you upon arrival at the Kathmandu airport. It is not necessary to purchase a Nepalese visa prior to landing in Nepal. The cost of a 90 day visa is approximately $100 USD & a 30 day visa costs approximately $60. Please bring cash and 2 extra passport-sized photos (extra photos are necessary to obtain the visa in the airport).

For Tibet visa for your expedition or trek - We provide you special support in Kathmandu to organizing your Tibet-China visa. Be ready to pay up to $220 USD (US citizens) and $165 USD (non-US citizens) for your Tibetan visa. It may be cheaper, but we will tell you and provide a receipt. Thank you. Please Note: Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months fom the END of the expedition and contain at least 2 blank pages.

Many medical precautions are advised, including vaccinations. Please see your local tropical/travel medicine clinic, physician, or general practitioner. There are also numerous immunization resources on the internet, and one of the best is from Kathmandu's famous CIWEC Clinic:

http://ciwec-clinic.com/

Note: You can purchase all necessary medicines inexpensively with no doctor's prescription in Kathmandu, but we recommend you obtain the vaccinations in your home country.

If you decide to cancel your membership, your payment will be refunded according to the refund policy contained in the registration forms. We urge you to purchase cancellation insurance whenever possible. We are able to hold your payment with no penalty, if you decide to go on another trip at a later date.

We have not canceled a trip before. If we decide to cancel the trip, 100 percent of your payment shall be returned.

Due to the nature and heavy costs of government and operator permits, and the harsh "no-refund" policies of third-world tour operators and government mountaineering offices, We must adhere to a stringent refund policy. PARTICIPANTS ARE ADVISED TO PURCHASE TRIP CANCELLATION INSURANCE. Specific cancellation and refund policies may supersede those enumerated below. If you cancel your trip membership 60 or more days before scheduled departure, this will result in an 75% refund. 59-30 days before scheduled departure will result in a 50% refund. 29-14 days before scheduled departure will result in a 25% refund, 13 or less days before scheduled departure results in zero refund.

You must decide in advance if you wish to try for the transition option. This is because we apply and pay for the permits in advance. If you quit before a set date or the leader feels that you are unwell then we will give a partial refund. Please contact us for full details of how the transition option works

1. You can raise funds by finding members for our expeditions. When you refer members to us, who join our teams, we send you a cash commission as a "Thank You" for your efforts. If you were able to send us numerous people during any calendar year, you could earn upwards of $30,000, £15,500 (GBP), €24,690 (Euro).

2. We offer discounts for groups if you have any friends who wish to join us:5% discount for groups of 2-3 10% discount for groups of 4-6

3. You could sell small items such as embroidered ties, screen-printed t-shirts, embroidered caps, embroidered day-sacks, embroidered jackets, emblazoned tea-mugs, tie-tacks, cufflinks, earrings, etcetera. Two former and current expedition members have been logo-designers and professional screen-printers and embroiderers for many years. They are Scott and Becky, and their email address is: barylski@sbcglobal.net A KEY FACTOR in this kind of fund-raising is the cost of producing the items. You should obtain costs and prices for production in Britain, Europe, the States, and Nepal. For example, the cost of producing 100 embroidered cotton "T-shirts" per item in Britain might be 5 pounds each, but in Kathmandu it would be just 2 pounds. Plan carefully how you will be marketing these items before ordering them.

4. Hosting a fundraising lecture, dance, concert, play, ball, race, car wash, or other event in your community. Many of our past and current members have used these methods. During the above events, additional funds can be raised with auctions and raffles of donated outdoor mountain equipment, etc;

5. Doing charity non-profit fundraising as part of fundraising for your team-membership. This is one of the most common ways to raise funds, and your team-membership can become a very valuable way to raise funds for important and needed charities and non profits;

6. Finding a corporate sponsor to offset costs and provide equipment in return for marketing and name recognition. This may be one large sponsor, or it might be several smaller ones. These sponsors often like to see their logo sewn on clothing, screenprinted on tents, mentioned in media stories, advertising, etc;

7. Organizing an "expedition-support-trek" to accompany you on the expedition. This can be a popular way to raise funds where the donors have an exciting experience, and you "add-on" a bit to cover your own costs and perhaps also an included donation to a selected charity;

8. Leading donors on walks, climbs, and outings in your local mountains and hills. Often overlooked, these local outings with donors may be a good way for them to get involved, meet you personally, and can be given as gifts to friends, etcetera.

9. We do provide assistance with managing funds your sponsors provide. It is often the case that a large sponsor will not pay you the funds directly, rather, they insist the funds be sent to us. Perhaps they are concerned that the monies might be used incorrectly if they were sent to you, so sending the money to us ensures that funds are used only for the expedition. Whatever the case, in case your sponsor has "overpaid" us, by sending more monies than are required, we can reimburse you by posting you a cheque, making a deposit into an account you designate, etcetera.

The leader of your expedition is a very experienced and qualified British, European, or American leader.

Note: Our leaders are not guides. They are there to coordinate the expedition and may or may not climb with you personally on the mountain. Our leaders will try to do everything they can to help you, but it is your responsibility to have the skills, strength, equipment, etcetera to do this climb. If you need more assistance, we encourage you to hire a personal sherpa.

We encourage you to meet with the expedition leader(s) during our Lecture Tour . Each year our leaders tour the world and present slide and video lectures detailing their recent climbs in order to raise money for charities/non-profits, such as the MountEverestFoundation.org . Please enquire as to the possibility of hosting or attending such a presentation in your locale.

In addition, we urge you to participate in our GLACIER SCHOOL held each spring and autumn, where you can meet and climb together with the leader(s).

All of our full-service expeditions include sherpas for the group. We hire Sherpas and high altitude porters in a support capacity, and now have 23 of these very experienced, friendly, strong, helpful, and loyal people on our staff, including some of Nepal and Tibet's best climbers and some of Nepal's only women Sherpas. Some of our Sherpas have been to the summit of Everest more than 7 times. One of our lady sherpas just became the first Nepalese woman to reach the summit of Ama Dablam, Pumori, and Cho Oyu. Many of our sherpas have personally assisted foreign climbers to the summits of more than ten of the highest peaks in the Himalaya, and Everest as many as six times.

Note: We strive to provide one group sherpa for each 3-4 members. The group sherpa's duty is to help the members and to carry group equipment such as tents, rope, food, and gas up and down the mountain. Group sherpas help to setup and take down camps. They are also there to try to assist in any rescues, so the other members do not have to give up their summit attempt to rescue a sick member. Our group Sherpas will help you throughout the climb and they will also help you during the ascent up to the summit and back down. If you need more sherpa assistance, we encourage you to hire a personal sherpa.

Your expedition is organized by our British, European, American, Nepalese, Tibetan, and Chinese office personnel working on-the-ground together as well as in your home-country. For example, one of our lead organizers is the very experienced Jon Christian Otto, fluent Chinese speaker, Tibet and China expert, with ten years experience in Chinese Himalayan climbing. Jon is an excellent communicator, an international diplomat, extremely well organized, with superb attention to each and every detail. For more about organizers, leaders, sherpa, and staff for Lhakpa Ri/North Col, please "click" here .

It is customary that each expedition member will make a contribution toward staff gratuities. Our staff are extremely proud of their efforts, and receiving a gratuity is a matter of the utmost honour, a mark of recognition of a job well done. We will "pool" these tips together and then, as a group, we will vote on the distribution of the tips to the individual staff. This method has seemed to be the fairest and has worked very well in the past. Our staff of more than 23 Sherpas is an extremely loyal and hard working group. You will be duly impressed by their level of effort and reliability. The main reason our staff are consistently some of the hardest working people in town, on trek, and on the mountain, is that they know they can rely on the generosity of our members to consistently provide a good tip. Please be sure to keep up the tradition, for future team members, as you have benefited from the reliable generosity of team members who came before you. Thank you very much.

There are two types of tips, the staff tip, and the summit-attempt bonus.

The "staff tip" will be $250 per foreign climber. Expect to pay this tip no matter what.

For the "summit-attempt bonus" a group Sherpa who helps you to climb up to the the high camp or up to the summit and back down, expect to pay North Col & Everest Training Climb Summit Attempt Bonus: $150, Summit Success: $250. per sherpa. That amount of money may be split between the climbers in the summit party.

We request you to bring this money with you to Tibet, in cash, and be ready to pay it there, as many of our staff are Tibetan and will not be returning to Kathmandu with us. Travelers cheques and credit cards may be of use in Kathmandu, but they will not work in Tibet.

Please do. Clothing and equipment gifts are highly appreciated. Also, Sherpa children and wives and sisters and mothers and fathers and grandmothers and grandfathers need clothing and shoes too. Please remember that sherpas come in all shapes and sizes, from children to adults. Items that are very small or very large can be traded for items that fit. There are men and women Sherpas, and they may be tall, short, extra-large, large, medium or small. The clothing and equipment you bring will be collected from you at the end of each expedition, then stock-piled by the lead staff and handed out to the Sherpas at the beginning of each expedition. In this way, we can ensure that they will actually use it during the expedition and not sell it immediately.

Here is a list of items that are needed broken into sections. Please click a link below to go directly to that list or scroll down.

Members are men and women from around the world who enjoy touring, walking, climbing, camping, and being in the mountains with friends. Our youngest member was age 23, and our oldest 71 years of age. The average age is 36, with many members in their 20s, 30s, 40s, and 50s. We have neither a lower nor an upper limit on group size.

PLEASE NOTE: We seek out members who can bring to this expedition a friendly spirit of team-work, as high altitude climbing and trekking are all about cooperation and working together and getting on with your team-mates.

Quite often, during our lecture tours, we organize meets of our team-members. Please enquire as to the possibility of this in your area. Also, in our GLACIER SCHOOLS past, present, future, and prospective members are able to meet and climb together. Approximately one month prior to the expedition we send out a newsletter with all of the logistics for your arrival in Nepal. At this point, we usually share your email address with the other team members, so you may meet one another.

We have been told that our members and groups get along extremely well, and members are pleased to learn how enjoyable our expeditions are, and often say how pleasantly surprised they are by how well our team members and staff and leaders function together.

In basecamp and advanced basecamp, WE PROVIDE YOUR OWN PERSONAL TENT, WHICH DOES NOT HAVE TO BE SHARED. Most members prefer a single room while in Kathmandu. Our trek-tents and high-altitude tents are based on sharing.

On Lhakpa Ri/North Col, it is common to use fixed lines, where groups of as many as 5 people ascend and descend together. However, team members are individually clipped to the fixed line. Each night, the groups will camp in an established campsite where there are multiple expedition tents. Throughout the climbing days and camping nights, our leaders and sherpas will be climbing and camping together with you to help set up tents and make sure you are staying healthy and safe and that things are going well.

If you did not join together with your climbing partner (many members join as individuals), you will have ample opportunity, during the training, approach/trekking, and first expedition days to determine who you would prefer to climb with. Depending upon the variable speed with which everyone is acclimatizing, these groups and partnerships can form and recombine several times throughout our expedition, where the pace is slow and careful, and there is enough time for multiple summit attempts.

In basecamp and advanced basecamp, WE PROVIDE YOUR OWN PERSONAL TENT, WHICH DOES NOT HAVE TO BE SHARED. Most members prefer a single room while in Kathmandu. Our trek-tents and high-altitude tents are based on sharing.

The average group has probably been 7 people, with half of all expeditions having less, and half having more members. As we add members to our team, we hire more Sherpas to assist the group as a whole, bring additional supplies and equipment, and add additional leaders, assistant-leaders, and leaders-in-training.

We encourage you to join us as an individual team member. Most of our members join as individuals, our team dynamics work well, and we are able to build successful and safe groups of people that enjoy climbing together.

It is a good idea to bring friends, family, colleagues, and clients along as trekkers. Please view the Everest-Tibet basecamp trek to get an idea of costs and itinerary for your companion(s).

Can I earn a commission for referring my friends, colleagues, clients, or a group?Open in a new window

We offer a 5% cash "finders-fee", paid to you for each of your friends and colleagues who become a member of our team.

Often, someone is well-placed as a guide, lecturer, eminent community figure, travel agent or tour operator, etcetera. We are glad to offer increasing commissions based on multiple referrals to any of our various trips and classes in any calendar year:

Our prices reflect our honesty, integrity, efficiency, and emphasis on providing a safe, high quality expedition for a fair price, as our company was founded 17 years ago by climbers for climbers, and we still have some of the original founders with us and strive to maintain these priorities. In addition, we have very long experience and deep connections with the mountaineering authorities in Nepal and Tibet, and we are fortunate to receive favourable prices and better treatment. Even though our prices are less, our approach reflects the best possible value for money and emphasizes effective team building within our own expedition, as well as good relations with everyone on the mountain.

This is neither a luxury nor a 5-star expedition.

We are dedicated to a philosophy of encouraging mountaineering by keeping costs to a minimum and welcome team members who are willing to share in achieving our objectives. All of our European, British, or US staff and leaders began their Himalayan climbing careers as paying team members. Thus, we never charge more for a trip than we would be willing to pay ourselves. We have excellent relations with the government authorities who regulate the world of mountain climbing permits, liaison officers, yak drivers, etcetera.

Additionally, our staff of more than 23 Sherpas are very long term, loyal, hard-working, and honest employees. We take good care of our staff and their families, and they work for a fair wage in return for steady employment. We help our Sherpa's families in many ways, and have been building schools and hospitals in their villages, and helping to protect their local environments for several years.

We have 1 hard-working group sherpa per each 3-4 members (if you would like more sherpas, please hire one of our excellent 'personal sherpas'.

Our leaders are hard working and friendly British, American, European, or Australian expedition-leaders. They are not licensed 'mountain-guides' who have taken an expensive six year course and exams.

Our methods are basic, simple, and proven over more than 50 Himalayan expeditions.

Our equipment is good, simple, sturdy, time-tested and has been used before. We re-use our equipment and re-hire our staff over many expeditions.

Our agents and local on-the-ground operators are long term employees and they provide services at a competitive cost, in return for fair compensation and our return business, year-after-year.

Our food is well prepared, abundant, and nutritious, but we do not use expensive imported foods.

Leader: Cost includes a very experienced and qualified British, European, or American leader;

Organization: During this full-service expedition, you will benefit from the organization provided by Dan Mazur. He is a relaxed, friendly and well organized person, and a highly-skilled professional with years of experience in getting people to the summit and back down with the highest attention to safety. He has been leading and organizing successful and safe overland, trekking, and mountaineering expeditions for over 20 years, to Tibet, Nepal, Tadjikistan, Pakistan, India, China, Africa, and North America.

Climbing Sherpas for the group;

Personal-private Sherpas may be hired at extra expense;

Transport to basecamp to/from Kathmandu (bus/4-wheel drive), for you and equipment; lodge accommodation and meals on the road and on trek;

Yak transport of all equipment from the road to and from advanced basecamp;

Three meals per day and plenty of hot drinks on the road, on trek, in basecamp and advanced basecamp. Comfortable tables and chairs and dining tent;

Hotel :Your trip includes 2 free Kathmandu hotel nights at the beginning and two free Kathmandu hotel nights at the end of the trip but not food.For more information,please click here .

We recommend the following tip for our group staff: North Col & Everest Training Climb: $250. Expect to pay the above tip no matter what.

Tipping Climbing Sherpas on our peak climbs: for a group Sherpa (Tibetan or Nepalese), who helps you to climb above the high camp or up to the summit and back down, expect to pay a summit-attempt bonus as follows: North Col & Everest Training Climb Summit Attempt Bonus: $150, Summit Success: $250..

Car or Jeep hiring for Tibet members: Please note that your amount of cash you need to bring is about $1800 more than our Nepal trips because it costs that much to hire a jeep to take you out early if you wish to leave before the scheduled end date of the itinerary.

Also not included are:International flights, personal clothing and equipment (sleeping bag, boots, ice axe, etc.), personal sherpas, visas, vaccinations, health, travel and rescue insurance, snack-energy food, gratuities, drinks on the road or in town, expenses of a personal nature, changes to the pre-planned itinerary (such as early departure), and expenses while traveling away from the group or leader. Not included are unexpected expenses, such as expenses due to emergencies, rescues, weather, political situations, transport delays, etc.

At low elevation, the temperatures can vary from 27°c to -7°c ( 80°f to 20°f). At higher elevations, the temperature can vary from 16°c to -23°c (60°f to -10°f). The wind is the most chilling factor, and can be quite variable, with everything from a flat calm, to hurricane force on the summit. There may be deep snow, heavy rains, mosquitoes in wet areas, blowing dust, burning heat, bright sunshine.

During the Lhakpa-Ri/North Col expedition, we teach you the skills needed to climb to the summit of Everest, if you do not already know about mountaineering. Then, if you decide you like it, a few weeks after climbing Lhakpa-Ri or the North Col, you could try going for the summit of Everest , or Cho Oyu the 6th highest mountain in the world.

We welcome you to join our expedition as an individual and most of our members do. We plan to assemble our team members into groups so you should not have to climb alone, although occasionally it may happen. By the way, we are unable to accommodate 'soloists' who are not willing to climb together with other team members or sherpas from our team. The main expectation is that members will be prepared to climb with a team member or sherpa above basecamp if possible. This practice ensures that the entire team has a fun, successful, and safe time on the mountain.

We recommend that you begin with a look at our websites and literature, and read a book about mountain climbing, to familiarize yourself with the basics of ropes, anchors, clothing, etcetera ("Freedom of the Hills" is one such title).

You should attend a "climbing-class" at an "adventure-centre" or a "rock-gym" in your home town, where you can learn the basics of "how-to-tie-in", handle the rope and harness and carabiner and descender/abseil-rappel device, and see if you enjoy the thrill of safe climbing and cautious descending on a rope. Or, perhaps you can have a climbing-friend show you the basics.

We suggest you attend one of our leader's LECTURES to view videos and slides and listen to and discuss our previous expeditions, and learn about our teams, staff, see the equipment in action, study the routes, etcetera. Please visit our LECTURE site to view our upcoming lecture schedule.

Next, you may wish to join one of our Glacier-Schools, where you will be able to hire and purchase the necessary equipment inexpensively , if you do not have it already. You will have an opportunity to experience for yourself: snow-camping, ice-climbing, glacier-travel, crevasse-rescue, placing and retrieving anchors, rope-ascending, rope-descending, and summiting peaks of moderate altitude (4000 metres, 13,000 feet) in glacial conditions.

Now, if you are fit and healthy, you could be ready for a climb of a mid-size Himalayan peak such as Island Peak , Lakpa-Ri /North Col , Ama-Dablam , or Mustagata , where you can test your ability to handle altitude climbing, on an extended Himalayan expedition.

If you feel ready, you might want to try one of the world's fourteen highest "8000 metre peaks", such as Cho-Oyu after Lhakpa Ri/North Col.

To participate in this expedition you must be a very fit and active winter-walker and climber in good health. Make sure you have physically trained yourself very thoroughly before joining this climb.

Prior to joining our group, please see your doctor and obtain the necessary permission and advice, as well as medications for travel in extremes of altitude, and also for exotic locales.

Note: You can purchase all necessary medicines inexpensively with no doctor's prescription in Kathmandu. On our application form we ask you to inform of us your condition, previous illnesses, health and medical situations we should know about, what medications you are taking, etcetera. Please help us to be informed by being honest and fully truthful when you complete it. Thank you.

Firstly, you should always consult your doctor before starting a rigorous exercise plan.

In the beginning, to see how you handle the training, and to avoid muscle strains that could slow your training down, you may wish to use shorter more frequent but less taxing workouts, and take more rest. After you get "up to speed" as it were, you could increase the rigour. Older climbers and walkers please take note of the latter. Also remember that swimming is an excellent form of training because it does not put stress upon your joints. Thank you.

In order to train well for your trip you should work toward excercising 3 to 4 times a week for between 40 minutes and an hour and a half each time. You should expect to work hard, and try to keep your heartrate quite high and your breathing quite heavy.

Adequate rest and a well balanced diet are also essential to avoid injury and illness before the expedition. You should sleep at least 8 hours per night, and eat 3 nutritious meals a day. Don't forget that you will perspire when you train, so try to drink at least 4 litres/quarts of water a day.

You may wish to engage the services of a personal trainer, who could help you to fine tune your fitness to a higher level while minimizing strain and maximising your potential in ways you might not have imagined. Personal trainers can also be a great motivator, as you and the trainer have your weekly session, thus you will feel an incentive to complete your planned fitness programme for that week.

Utilising both gym equipment and the great outdoors will provide a more balanced exercise programme. You should try to accomplish at least half of your workouts outside. This could include walking and running (On stairs and hills too) and cycling, but above all should be fun! Hillwalking and climbing with a pack weighing 5-10 Kilos/10-20 pounds is essential. If you don't have hills, why not go for stairs, bleachers, viewing stands, stadiums, even the stairways in tall buildings? Don't forget to spend time directly working the muscles of the legs, back and shoulders, and remember that your own body weight can be just as effective as weights, or machines.

About 6 weeks before the expedition departure date, you may wish to do 1 full day each week of hill walking, climbing or an equivalent, with a light rucksack. On that day, you would want to eventually work toward six-eight hours of continuous walking or climbing up and down hill, with 4 to 6 separate ten minute breaks and a 1/2 to 1 hour lunch break midway through.

To minimize the chance of injuring yourself, consider starting with a half day and then if you do well, increase to 2/3, then eventually to a full day, once a week.

We want you to arrive for your expedition in top shape, so please take plenty of rest and do not over-do it.

Hint: when carrying a rucksack while descending, walking, or climbing down-hill, try carrying a bit less in your rucksack in order to save your knees. Many trainers advise carrying water bottles up the hill then emptying them at the top so your rucksack is lightened for the trip down.

You may wish to engage the services of a personal trainer, who could help you to fine tune your fitness to a higher level while minimizing strain and maximizing your potential in ways you might not have imagined. Personal trainers can also be a great motivator, as you and the trainer have your weekly session, thus you will feel an incentive to complete your planned fitness programme for that week..

Yes, upon arrival in Kathmandu, all members are required to participate in a day of training and orientation (unless you have made special arrangements). Upon reaching basecamp or advanced basecamp, ALL full-service and basic-climb members are again required to participate in one to two days of training (unless you have made special arrangements) in the areas of climbing techniques, glacier travel, rope fixing, ascending, descending, safety techniques, rappels (abseils), belaying, medical equipment and procedures, communications equipment, camping techniques and high-altitude cooking. For the expert and beginner alike, it is important to review these techniques in order to enhance skills, ensure safety-awareness, and learn to work together as a team. Please make sure you have studied the standard books, such as "Mountaineering, Freedom of the Hills", and are comfortable and familiar with the necessary climbing techniques, before joining our team. Thank you for being a well-prepared and safe team member!

The oldest summiter we have had was 71 years old. We notice that people who are older may need more rest, acclimatization, and a careful attention to nutrition and hydration. Any one of any age should gain from being helped by these hard-working stalwarts, and the older you are the more likely the benefit.

We don’t want to sound pessimistic, rather we strive for realism, but there may be a certain debacle in encouraging climbers who are older. All of us, no matter what age, race, or gendre, can push ourselves beyond our limits and "hit the wall", become exhausted, etcetera. Let's face up to it, the "wall" might come up a bit more rapidly for those of us who are a bit older, than for the youngsters in our midst. Its important to be well trained physically and mentally, and know how to maintain one's health and stamina throughout the climb, whether its climbing up, preparing meals and drinks and filling water bottles in the camps, taking good care of oneself on summit day, or climbing safely back down the mountain.

Our expedition includes transport of all of your equipment from Kathmandu to basecamp or advanced basecamp, and returned to Kathmandu. While climbing on the mountain, we try to not ask our full-service members to carry heavy group equipment (although it is an option if you really want to), such as tents, rope, fuel, food, etcetera. We employ climbing sherpas, and high-altitude porters, to carry group equipment and supplies. From ABC to camp 1 on North Col or ABC to the summit of Lhakpa Ri, members will only need to carry a small rucksack containing personal items such as snacks, water, camera, etcetera.

We recommend that you shop carefully and frugally for your clothing and climbing equipment. Below we have listed some of the least expensive shops we know about in Kathmandu, UK, Seattle, Canada, Chamonix, and Hong Kong. If you hear of any others, we would like to know about them, as we wish to tell our members where they can purchase equipment affordably.

Kathmandu has a wide variety of inexpensive used and competitively priced equipment, boots, shoes, and clothing; In over 50 well-stocked mountaineering and trekking shops. We recommend you purchase your Millet Everest One-sport boots and crampons in Kathmandu, where a very wide selection is available for reasonable prices. We also recommend you purchase your down/duvet jacket, trousers and suit there as well, again for some of the best selection and prices to be found anywhere. Also, be sure to purchase your closed cell kari-mat foam mattresses in Kathmandu. Why bring duffle bags of foam mats on your international flight? Please send us an email to request a Kathmandu price list. If you need a pair of high altitude mitts, we don't recommend Kathmandu, but rather suggest you check out mittens by Wild Country or Outdoor Research (the OR Alti has been popular with our Cho Oyu, Everest, and Lhotse summitters).

For prices at Kathmandu shops, please "click here" . For information about using your credit, bank, cash, ATM card in Nepal, please "click here" . For more information about how much cash to bring for an Lhotse expedition, please"click here" .

Below we have listed several inexpensive shops around the world. It may be best to telephone them directly with your questions, as they are very busy and do not always answer email enquiries in a timely manner. When you do contact them, always be sure to mention your name and the name of our company and expedition leaders to them, as we send them many customers and they often give our members substantial discounts. You may or may not choose to purchase the product from them, but it should give you a good idea of what the fair price for the equipment should be. We especially recommend Second Ascent in Seattle, as it has a very large selection of second hand, discontinued, and rental mountain climbing equipment and clothing.

One strategy our members often pursue is to visit Seattle for one of our Glacier Schools, and then during time set aside during the course, work together with our leaders to try-on, compare, and purchase and hire the equipment they need at one of the least expensive mountaineering shops in Seattle. It is rare to find such a good selection of equipment and clothing in one shop, but Seattle is known for its large glaciated peaks, and large community of mountaineers.

Warm mittens are necessary for your expedition. Please don't frostbite your hands. We prefer mittens to gloves, as mittens are so much warmer. We are not sure who makes the best gloves. The warmest mittens come with a sturdy Goretex outer shell and a very warm polar fleece removable mitten liner.

You won't need to wear any liner gloves inside these mitts (they already have their own integral liner) so fit is very important. In Kathmandu you can find good quality Black Diamond and Mountain Hardwear mittens.

Your Nepal visa is conveniently purchased by you upon arrival at the Kathmandu airport. It is not necessary to purchase a Nepalese visa prior to landing in Nepal. The cost of a 90 day visa is approximately $100 USD & a 30 day visa costs approximately $60. Please bring cash and 2 extra passport-sized photos (extra photos are necessary to obtain the visa in the airport).

For Tibet visa for your expedition or trek - We provide you special support in Kathmandu to organizing your Tibet-China visa. Be ready to pay up to $220 USD (US citizens) and $165 USD (non-US citizens) for your Tibetan visa. It may be cheaper, but we will tell you and provide a receipt. Thank you. Please Note: Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months fom the END of the expedition and contain at least 2 blank pages.

Please also bring plenty of cash for tips + gratuities, for shopping, drinks, etcetera. You will be paying for your own hotel and meals in Kathmandu . There are good cash/atm machines and traveler's cheques will work, especially in Kathmandu. Members who don't bring enough cash are often found sitting on their hands in a dark and cold hotel room or tent while the rest of the team are out having fun enjoying the night life that is surprisingly exciting and even funny, the sometimes fun pubs and shopping.

Because you are going to Tibet, also be sure to bring cash for your China-Tibet visa. Be ready to pay up to $220 USD (US citizens) and $135 USD (non-US citizens) for your Tibetan visa. You may encounter the occasionally very good inexpensive carpet and souvenir shopping that can be found in Tibet, at low prices where no credit cards and no traveler's cheques may be used. Those of you going to Tibet may wish to consider bringing only dollars or changing all of your currency into local currency in Zhangmu, upon crossing into Tibet from Nepal. There is a new cash machine in Zhangmu, hopefully it's still working.

Everest Tibet Training Climb members: please bring at least $1300 cash with you for the trip.

We request you to bring staff tip money with you to Tibet, in cash, and be ready to pay it there, as many of our staff are Tibetan and will not be returning to Kathmandu with us. Travelers cheques and credit cards may be of use in Kathmandu, but they will not work in Tibet.

Everest Tibet Training Climb members: please bring at least $1300 cash with you for the trip.

There are two types of tips, the staff tip, and the summit-attempt bonus.

The "staff tip" will be $250 per foreign climber. Expect to pay this tip no matter what.

For the "summit-attempt bonus" a group Sherpa who helps you to climb up to the the high camp or up to the summit and back down, expect to pay $150, Summit Success: $250 per sherpa. That amount of money may be split between the climbers in the summit party.

We request you to bring this money with you to Tibet, in cash, and be ready to pay it there, as many of our staff are Tibetan and will not be returning to Kathmandu with us. Travelers cheques and credit cards may be of use in Kathmandu, but they will not work in Tibet.

In Nepal, using your bank, cash or atm card (as long as it's a Cirrus, Plus, or Visa), you can usually obtain rupees at a bank machine in Kathmandu. The machine will not give you dollars, or any other foreign currency. Sometimes, foreign cards dont work in Nepal. The most international bank is Standard and Chartered, and if you plan on using a credit card, you might ask your company to check if your card will work at S&C.

In Tibet, there is a new cash machine in Zhangmu (just across the border from Nepal), hopefully it's still working. Those of you going to Tibet may wish to consider bringing only dollars or changing all of your currency into local currency in Zhangmu, upon crossing into Tibet from Nepal.

Most of our members carry their personal equipment and snack foods in their checked and carry-on luggage on their international flight.

In Britain, Europe, Australia, and other parts of the world, your baggage allowance may be as low as: 23 kilos/50 pounds of checked baggage, plus a small carry-on bag of 15 kilos/33 pounds (don't show the counter staff this much carry-on luggage upon check-in), for a total of 40 kilos/88 pounds. First ring your airline and request their "sport baggage allowance". Many airlines allow it, and often provide this for golfers, bicyclists, surfers and skiers. Quite often they extend it to climbers. Some of our members have had good luck bringing a ski bag and filling it with climbing equipment. WARNING: They might not give the same allowance on the inbound portion. Be sure to check this and request it if not given, or you could incur high baggage charges when coming home. The documentation of this allowance may take the form of a letter from the baggage officer at the airlines, or the allowance may be printed on the ticket itself (the best form of documentation by far).

If you are unable to attain a sport baggage allowance, obviously, those members coming from these countries will either be faced with wearing their climbing boots, helmet, duvet-clothing, etcetera onto the plane (this is normal procedure for many Australian, British, and European team-members), or paying excess baggage charges, or purchasing/hiring a portion of their equipment or daily snacks in Kathmandu, which is now becoming more and more of a viable option. If you chose to pay the airline's excess baggage charges, you might be faced with $20 per kilogram/2.2 pounds, of excess. Be sure to make full telephone and email inquiries before checking your bags at the airport.

Those members flying from North Americaare currently allowed 2 checked bags weighing 50 pounds/23 kilos each, plus one small carry-on weighing 30 pounds/13 kilos, for a total allowance of 130 pounds, or 60 kilograms. Baggage allowances change frequently. Before departure, you must ring your airline to verify the exact amount.

In North America it may be possible to pay an additional $120 per extra 70 pound/32 kilo bag, up to a total of ten or so extra bags, on flights bound for Nepal or China, but not for flights returning from there. However, be sure to ask about such "extra-bags" policies carefully before booking, and be sure to check with ALL of the airlines on your itinerary, as some of these airlines may try to "double-charge" you.

First ring your airline and request their "sport baggage allowance". Many airlines allow it, and often provide this for golfers, bicyclists, surfers and skiers. Quite often they extend it to climbers. Some of our members have had good luck bringing a ski bag and filling it with climbing equipment. Before arranging cargo shipping, ring your airline and explain what you are climbing/trekking and need to bring extra food/equipment, etcetera. Airlines often allow you to carry extra bags when you fly for a reduced charge, when you arrange it all in advance. The big advantage is that the bags should travel with you all of the time, don't have to be cleared through customs, etcetera. WARNING: They might not give the same allowance on the inbound portion. Be sure to check this and request it if not given, or you could incur high baggage charges when coming home. The documentation of this allowance may take the form of a letter from the baggage officer at the airlines, or the allowance may be printed on the ticket itself (the best form of documentation by far).

If you do arrange cargo shipping, its not difficult but takes a little more time. Always put your name and expedition name on the first two lines, as this will clarify that you are personally using these items for climbing and they are not the property of our local agent, nor are they for resale in Kathmandu. Upon arrival in Kathmandu you will go to the Customs Hall (near the airport) in the morning and go through a one day process required to clear your cargo through Nepal Customs. So, if you are planning to ship cargo, be sure to arrive in Kathmandu on a weekday (M-F) before the scheduled beginning of our expedition, so you don't miss any critical team orientation meetings, etcetera. You may need to pay some fees to the Nepal Government at the time of pickup. Always be sure to speak to the government officer in-charge there, not a middleman from a freight forwarding company, as they will add on a lot of needless charges. If you have filled out the packing list with amounts stated minimally at point of origin, its mostly used equipment and personal food, and everything is for your personal use during the expedition only, and you say you will take all of it back to your country, your fees payed to the Nepal Government will be very small indeed.

You will have to request shipping times and charges from your local agent as we don't know the details from your country.

Do you provide secure facilities to store my excess baggage & valuables in Kathmandu?Open in a new window

We provide secure facilities in Kathmandu in which to store your extra personal items such as luggage, extra money, credit cards, passports (those people going to Tibet need their passports), jewelry, expensive watches, etcetera. These facilities are kept locked, watched, and nothing has ever been lost.

Our skillful cooks prepare 3 delicious hot meals and plenty of drinks each day in basecamp and advanced basecamp.

On the mountain we supply plenty of food for you to cook 3 hot meals each day. This food will consist of soup, local cheese & sausage, biscuits, dried noodles, potatoes, rice, porridge, butter, dried and tinned vegetables, fruit, meats, and fish, tea with milk and sugar, powdered juice drink, and drinking chocolate. Our sherpas will be carrying this food to the higher camps.

We ask each member to bring their own imported daily snack and energy foods. We also ask members to bring 2 dehydrated meals (freeze-dried dinners) for their summit attempt.

We do not provide cold “snack” food such as chocolate or "energy-bars". We ask that you bring or buy your own "snack" or daily cold energy food, 2-4 kilos is a good amount. A growing variety of imported foods such as European and American cheeses, chocolates, biscuits, cookies, nuts, and locally made power-bars are now available in Kathmandu, at realistic prices. However, imported power bars, GU, re-hydration drinks, dehydrated food, "freeze-dried meals", imported cheese and sausage are not available. If you want these items, you must bring them from your home country.Many of our members, especially Britons, Europeans, and Australians with tiny baggage allowances, now purchase their daily snacks in Kathmandu. Our schedule in Kathmandu allows plenty of time for shopping.

There is a difference of opinion. However, if you have not been to high altitude often, we suggest you consider trying Diamox. You may wish to start with one half of a tablet in Kathmandu to see how you react to the medication and if you have any side effects. During the approach to basecamp, as well as once we are on the mountain, we suggest you consider taking one to two tablets per day, depending upon your body weight, rate of ascent, and your reaction to the medication.

We encourage members who are going to high-altitude for their first time to try Diamox. During our expedition, we can often tell which team members are using Diamox and which are not according to their level of activity vs. lethargy. Those trying Diamox are often seen laughing, playing cards, and throwing frisbees in basecamp, while those who are not are often seen hunched over their tea in the dining tent, holding their heads and grumbling about a headache. The non-users may also not be seen at all, as they are in their tent lying in their sleeping bag suffering a migraine-like headache.

Whatever your opinion is, Diamox is a very vital part of any high altitude climbers medical kit, used in the prevention of mountain sickness, also known as high altitude sickness or acute mountain sickness (AMS). It's a very old drug, originally developed for cardiac patients in the 1930s. It is the most well known and tested of all of the high altitude drugs. It works well as a preventative medication, taken in advance of symptoms, proactively. It also works acutely in first-aid situations to reduce the severity of symptoms once high-altitude sickness ensues. Common dosage is a half tablet (tablets are 250mg) before AMS occurs, to see if any severe side effects occur. Common side effects include tingling, 'pins and needles' and excessive urination. If no severe side effects occur, it's common to take one 250 mg tablet per day. Up to 2 or even three tablets may be taken per day, depending upon body weight (smaller people need to take less, and larger people more). Be sure to drink enough water, as Diamox is a diuretic (increases urination and thus dehydration).

Diamox increases your body's uptake of carbon dioxide through a ph change in the blood, so as an indirect reaction of your body, it causes you to breath (exhale) more to get rid of the extra CO2. The other mechanism your body uses to get rid of extra CO2 is to urinate more. Breathing more causes you not only to exhale more CO2, but also to take in more oxygen. Your body responds to all of this fresh new oxygen by making your red blood cell count increase. This is what you need to become acclimatized to the higher altitude, more red blood cells to carry more oxygen. Whether you take Diamox or not, this red blood cell increase happens naturally as you slowly ascend to higher altitudes. Diamox just causes the red blood cells to multiply a little faster because you are breathing a bit more. Some people say you can do this yourself without taking Diamox, just hyperventilate all of the time!

Please visit the medical section of the Lhakpa Ri/North Col Personal & Team Equipmentlink to view a full list of the medicines we recommend you purchase inexpensively in Kathmandu, without a doctor's prescription, before departing for the mountain.

Warm mittens are necessary for North Col. Please don't frostbite your hands. We prefer mittens to gloves, as mittens are so much warmer. We are not sure who makes the best gloves. The warmest mittens come with a sturdy Goretex outer shell and a very warm polar fleece removable mitten liner.

You won't need to wear any liner gloves inside these mitts (they already have their own integral liner) so fit is very important. In Kathmandu you can find good quality Black Diamond and Mountain Hardwear mittens.

When you pack your bags in Kathmandu, please organize your materials into two locking duffle kit bags weighing no more than 20 kilos/44 pounds each. These are the bags that will be put on the truck and tied on the yaks, so please make sure they are strong and secure. You will be able to store your excess baggage in Kathmandu.

Any small and light camera will be fine. Many people use digital cameras now, and download their photos on our laptop in basecamp (our laptop works at high altitude, while yours might not, so check carefully before bringing your own laptop).

There are new digital video cameras that are small and light and work well. Many peoples bring them and there has been some very good quality movies made by our members. Some members have even edited their own feature length films from video they took with one of these good-quality small 'handi-cams'.

Our members take great photos and we might ask your permission to use them in news stories on our news website. Of course you will be credited as the photographer.

If you are planning to download your photos, then you have to bring your own lead/cable and your own software, if available. Digital cameras also have the advantage of being able to take small video clips. We love seeing your video clips on our site and they really add to the excitement of telling the story of your climb. There are some good digital cameras that will work well in the $200, £100, or €135 range.

Be sure you always keep your camera in a plastic bag in the inside pocket of your jacket and you will have to sleep with it at night. You never want it to become cold or be exposed to wind, snow, dust, moisture or rain.

With any camera, make sure you have your battery/charging system well-thought-out before you leave home, as options to figure this out in the mountains will be limited.

Can I have prescription spectacles or glacier glasses made inexpensively in Kathmandu?Open in a new window

Yes you can, and prescription glacier specs with leather side shields cost $28, £15, or €18. However, you will have to examine the possibility and assess the choice of frames and quality of workmanship personally when you arrive in Nepal. If you decide to go ahead, it can sometimes take up to a few weeks for your order to be ready. It's important that you will have your own correct prescription glasses before leaving home for the expedition, as your purchase will most likely not be ready for you until your return to Kathmandu after the trip is over.

Here is a checklist of what we need to have in your file at least two months before the trip begins. We encourage you to send an electronic scan of all of the below documents, please be sure they are signed. Thank you:

[ ] Completed Payment. Please restate payments you made and what those payments were for, ie full vs basic, sherpas, oxygen, etc.[ ] Make your Oxygen order (if any) crystal clear at this time, number of bottles, masks, payment, etc.[ ] Make your Sherpa order (if any) crystal clear at this time, personal sherpa, quarter sherpa, payment, etc. [ ] Trip Registration Form (part of 4 page form),[ ] Signed Participant Release and Acknowledgement of Risk (part of 4 page form),[ ] Signed Terms and Conditions of Booking (part of 4 page form), [ ] Signed Medical Form (part of 4 page form), [ ] 1 Passport sized photo, which is a simple, very clear picture of your face, sent as an email scan. (We simply require a picture of your face against a white background. You can take it yourself for free with your own digital camera or smart phone),[ ] Exact photocopy of passport identification pages, [ ] Exact photocopy of complete flight itinerary, [ ] Proof of mountain rescue and repatriation insurance, [ ] Proof of travel, accident, and repatriation insurance (cancellation insurance is advised).

Please do let us know what further questions you may have about the registration process, or anything else for that matter. Thank you.

It's best to purchase your international air ticket several months before trip departure. Although, surprisingly inexpensive air tickets may be available on short notice only a few weeks before the trip begins. However, for some busier times of year known as "high season", it might be best to purchase your air tickets 4-5 months before flying, or, if you are trying to use frequent flyer or air miles, 6-12 months prior to the beginning of the trip.

We can recommend agencies and airlines that offer the lowest prices and best service.

Flights from UK or Europe to Kathmandu currently cost £450-£700 (GBP), or €665-€1000 (EURO).

For Kathmandu, the most normally used airlines are Gulf Airlines, Qatar Airlines, Ethitad Airways or occasionally Jet Airlines. It takes 1 or two days to fly there, and one or two days to fly back. Many Europeans prefer to fly to London first, to take advantage of the inexpensive flights. Flying from London, to begin, may we recommend you contact anyone at Trailfinders on 0207 9383939. Also, please ring the Flight Centre in London on: 08705 666627, or 0207 9356669.

First ring your airline and request their "sport baggage allowance". Many airlines allow it, and often provide this for golfers, bicyclists, surfers and skiers. Quite often they extend it to climbers. Some of our members have had good luck bringing a ski bag and filling it with climbing equipment. Before arranging cargo shipping, ring your airline and explain what you are climbing/trekking and need to bring extra food/equipment, etcetera. Airlines often allow you to carry extra bags when you fly for a reduced charge, when you arrange it all in advance. The big advantage is that the bags should travel with you all of the time, don't have to be cleared through customs, etcetera.

WARNING: They might not give the same allowance on the inbound portion. Be sure to check this and request it if not given, or you could incur high baggage charges when coming home. The documentation of this allowance may take the form of a letter from the baggage officer at the airlines, or the allowance may be printed on the ticket itself (the best form of documentation by far).

Be sure to mention that you are one of our members when you ring your travel agent, as the above companies arrange quite a few of our flights and they may give a discount or provide extra baggage allowance.

Flights from North America to Kathmandu currently cost $1200-$1700.

When flying from North America to Kathmandu it takes three days on the way there (because you are crossing the date line), and two on the way back.

For starters, we recommend you check the internet. Internet flight shopping is easy: www.Expedia.com often has inexpensive flights. Also try other websites such as www.Orbitz.com , www.Kayak.com , etc. If you would like to work with a travel agent, please contact Sue at Unique Travel: 503-221-1719. Another travel agency you may wish to check prices with is: Himalayan Treasures and Travels 800-223-1813, or Bootsnall.com 503-528-1005. Be sure to mention that you are one of our members when you ring your travel agent, as the above companies arrange quite a few of our flights and they may give a discount or provide extra baggage allowance. By the way, before booking your ticket, please check the itinerary carefully and check how much baggage they will allow. In case you have excess baggage, you may wish to ring your airline and request their "sport baggage allowance". Many airlines allow it, and often provide this for golfers, bicyclists, surfers and skiers. Quite often they extend it to climbers. Some of our members have had good luck bringing a ski bag and filling it with climbing equipment. Before arranging cargo shipping, ring your airline and explain what you are climbing/trekking and need to bring extra food/equipment, etcetera. Airlines often allow you to carry extra bags when you fly for a reduced charge, when you arrange it all in advance. The big advantage is that the bags should travel with you all of the time, don't have to be cleared through customs, etcetera. BAGGAGE WARNING: They might not give the same allowance on the inbound portion. Be sure to check this and request it if not given, or you could incur high baggage charges when coming home. The documentation of this allowance may take the form of a letter from the baggage officer at the airlines, or the allowance may be printed on the ticket itself (the best form of documentation by far).

All members must be present on the first day of our scheduled itinerary in Kathmandu unless you have made special arrangements. We need your passports on that day so that we can obtain the permit for you to go to the mountains, and do quite a bit of intensive orientation and training before setting off for the mountains, in the next day or two. Of course it is fine if you wish to arrive earlier than the first day of our scheduled itinerary.

In addition, we need you to stay until the last day of the expedition unless you have made special arrangements. Its OK if you want to leave a bit earlier, but schedule your flight for the final day in any case. You never know when bad weather or route conditions can slow you down and cause you to need each and every day. Of course its fine if you want to stay on after the expedition ends.

We are now offering a Lhasa option at the start of the expedition for those members wishing to tour this ancient capital of Tibet before arriving at basecamp. The cost is $2450 USD.

Most members fly to Kathmandu first because of the excellent equipment shopping and because it is easiest. From Kathmandu you will fly to Lhasa on the day the rest of the team leaves by motor vehicle. There are two to three flights each week.The flight takes about 1 hour and 45 minutes and goes over Mount Everest. It's only possible to take 20 kilos on the flight, so your big expedition bags will be brought to basecamp by truck from Kathmandu.

Some members wish to fly to Lhasa from another city in China. We can also help you to arrange that.

Upon arrival in Lhasa you will rest for 2 nights and one day. It's important that you use the rest day to get acclimated to the high altitude. Also, during your rest day in Lhasa, you could visit the beautiful Potala Palace and Jokhang Temple.

It is a three day drive from Lhasa to basecamp. You will be driven in government cars. One car can hold four people and some luggage. If you have a lot of luggage you may incur high excess baggage penalties. Generally, you only bring a small bag with essentials and all your climbing equipment and clothing goes on the truck overland. The cost of the hotels and meals are included in the transport cost. If you wish to do the Lhasa option, please tell us as soon as possible.

Yes and the cost is included in your registration fee. In fact, during our expeditions last year we were able to meet 100 percent of our member's scheduled flights, and bring the team to our hotel. Please make sure we have your complete flight itinerary. Upon picking up your bags and exiting the customs area and walking out into the arrivals hall, be sure to move slowly and look for the person carrying a sign with your name written upon it. Normally, this sign will bear your surname (last or family name), but occasionally they might have written your first or given name on the sign. The sign may also simply say, "SummitClimb".

Our staff in Kathmandu are available to assist you 24 hours per day, seven days per week. It does not matter which day nor at what time you arrive or depart Kathmandu, they will meet your flight, take you to the hotel, help you find essential things like money changing, shopping, arrange tours of the city, etcetera.

Your trip includes 2 free Kathmandu hotel nights at the beginning and two free Kathmandu hotel nights at the end of the trip. You will be sharing. If you do not wish to share, you can pay an extra $20 for a single room (during any of the included 4 nights). If you want a room for extra nights, outside of the included 4 nights, the price will be $30 (single room). Price includes good delicious breakfast and mandatory 25% Nepal government tax and government service charge. Meals in Kathmandu (other than breakfast) are at your expense. Please bring cash (credit cards are rarely accepted) to pay for your expenses and extra nights and / or your single supplement. We often stay at the comfortable three star Hotel Shakti. Its an excellent and classic hotel surrounded by green gardens and located in the heart of the city action near many delicious restaurants, the city's best mountain equipment shopping, and abundant nightlife all within a few minutes walk. The Shakti Hotel also offers lots of entertaining day trip (and night outing) options such as city tours, walking tours, rock climbing, mountain biking, wild game safaris, horse back riding, art classes, volunteer opportunities at orphanages, hospitals, schools, women's centres, bird watching, cooking classes, sport fishing, day peak climbing, herbal medicine seminars, day hikes, pottery classes, car tours, sightseeing, temple tours, henna handpainting classes, health spas, massage, swimming, beauty spas and hair stylist salons, motorbiking, yoga courses and retreats, river rafting, painting, sculpture, and handicrafts classes, golf, language courses, kayaking, writing seminars, poetry workshops, bungie jumping, all types of religious worship, canyoning, hot tubs, health club, saunas, fitness center, ayurvedic spa treatments, Mount Kailash Treks, night clubs, meditation retreats, gourmet restaurants, cultural dance performances, wine tasting, pedicures and manicures, casino gambling, barber shops, discotheques, dance clubs, airport transfers, Scenic Flights Around Mount Everest, dance classes, cooking classes, sampling micro brews, trying Nepalese Cuisine, handicrafts and carpet shopping, looking for good deals on outdoor gear, climbing gear and trekking gear, "designer" clothing, and watches, and much much more.

Our staff in Kathmandu are available to assist you 24 hours per day, seven days per week. It does not matter which day nor at what time you arrive or depart Kathmandu, they will meet your flight, take you to the hotel, help you find essential things like money changing, shopping, arrange tours of the city, etcetera.

In Tibet, your expedition organizers pay for all of your hotels and meals.

Your trip includes 2 free Kathmandu hotel nights at the beginning and two free Kathmandu hotel nights at the end of the trip. You will be sharing. If you do not wish to share, you can pay an extra $20 for a single room (during any of the included 4 nights). If you want a room for extra nights, outside of the included 4 nights, the price will be $30 (single room). Price includes good delicious breakfast and mandatory 25% Nepal government tax and government service charge. Meals in Kathmandu (other than breakfast) are at your expense. Please bring cash (credit cards are rarely accepted) to pay for your expenses and extra nights and / or your single supplement. We often stay at the comfortable three star Hotel Shakti. Its an excellent and classic hotel surrounded by green gardens and located in the heart of the city action near many delicious restaurants, the city's best mountain equipment shopping, and abundant nightlife all within a few minutes walk. The Shakti Hotel also offers lots of entertaining day trip (and night outing) options such as city tours, walking tours, rock climbing, mountain biking, wild game safaris, horse back riding, art classes, volunteer opportunities at orphanages, hospitals, schools, women's centres, bird watching, cooking classes, sport fishing, day peak climbing, herbal medicine seminars, day hikes, pottery classes, car tours, sightseeing, temple tours, henna handpainting classes, health spas, massage, swimming, beauty spas and hair stylist salons, motorbiking, yoga courses and retreats, river rafting, painting, sculpture, and handicrafts classes, golf, language courses, kayaking, writing seminars, poetry workshops, bungie jumping, all types of religious worship, canyoning, hot tubs, health club, saunas, fitness center, ayurvedic spa treatments, Mount Kailash Treks, night clubs, meditation retreats, gourmet restaurants, cultural dance performances, wine tasting, pedicures and manicures, casino gambling, barber shops, discotheques, dance clubs, airport transfers, Scenic Flights Around Mount Everest, dance classes, cooking classes, sampling micro brews, trying Nepalese Cuisine, handicrafts and carpet shopping, looking for good deals on outdoor gear, climbing gear and trekking gear, "designer" clothing, and watches, and much much more.

Will there be a day of orientation in Kathmandu, to meet the members, leaders, & check my equipment?Open in a new window

All members must be present on the first day of our scheduled itinerary in Kathmandu unless you have made special arrangements. We need your passports on that day so that we can obtain the permit for you to go to the mountains, and do quite a bit of intensive orientation and training before setting off for the mountains, in the next day or two.

After completing our orientation session and receiving our permits, we plan to depart Kathmandu the morning after the orientation, although the schedule may differ by one day.

Most of our members carry their personal equipment and snack foods in their checked and carry-on luggage on their international flight.

In Britain, Europe, Australia, and other parts of the world, your baggage allowance may be as low as: 23 kilos/50 pounds of checked baggage, plus a small carry-on bag of 15 kilos/33 pounds (don't show the counter staff this much carry-on luggage upon check-in), for a total of 40 kilos/88 pounds. First ring your airline and request their "sport baggage allowance". Many airlines allow it, and often provide this for golfers, bicyclists, surfers and skiers. Quite often they extend it to climbers. Some of our members have had good luck bringing a ski bag and filling it with climbing equipment. WARNING: They might not give the same allowance on the inbound portion. Be sure to check this and request it if not given, or you could incur high baggage charges when coming home. The documentation of this allowance may take the form of a letter from the baggage officer at the airlines, or the allowance may be printed on the ticket itself (the best form of documentation by far).

If you are unable to attain a sport baggage allowance, obviously, those members coming from these countries will either be faced with wearing their climbing boots, helmet, duvet-clothing, etcetera onto the plane (this is normal procedure for many Australian, British, and European team-members), or paying excess baggage charges, or purchasing/hiring a portion of their equipment or daily snacks in Kathmandu, which is now becoming more and more of a viable option. If you chose to pay the airline's excess baggage charges, you might be faced with $20 per kilogram/2.2 pounds, of excess. Be sure to make full telephone and email inquiries before checking your bags at the airport.

Those members flying from North Americaare currently allowed 2 checked bags weighing 50 pounds/23 kilos each, plus one small carry-on weighing 30 pounds/13 kilos, for a total allowance of 130 pounds, or 60 kilograms. Baggage allowances change frequently. Before departure, you must ring your airline to verify the exact amount.

In North America it may be possible to pay an additional $120 per extra 70 pound/32 kilo bag, up to a total of ten or so extra bags, on flights bound for Nepal or China, but not for flights returning from there. However, be sure to ask about such "extra-bags" policies carefully before booking, and be sure to check with ALL of the airlines on your itinerary, as some of these airlines may try to "double-charge" you.

First ring your airline and request their "sport baggage allowance". Many airlines allow it, and often provide this for golfers, bicyclists, surfers and skiers. Quite often they extend it to climbers. Some of our members have had good luck bringing a ski bag and filling it with climbing equipment. Before arranging cargo shipping, ring your airline and explain what you are climbing/trekking and need to bring extra food/equipment, etcetera. Airlines often allow you to carry extra bags when you fly for a reduced charge, when you arrange it all in advance. The big advantage is that the bags should travel with you all of the time, don't have to be cleared through customs, etcetera. WARNING: They might not give the same allowance on the inbound portion. Be sure to check this and request it if not given, or you could incur high baggage charges when coming home. The documentation of this allowance may take the form of a letter from the baggage officer at the airlines, or the allowance may be printed on the ticket itself (the best form of documentation by far).

If you do arrange cargo shipping, its not difficult but takes a little more time. Always put your name and expedition name on the first two lines, as this will clarify that you are personally using these items for climbing and they are not the property of our local agent, nor are they for resale in Kathmandu. Upon arrival in Kathmandu you will go to the Customs Hall (near the airport) in the morning and go through a one day process required to clear your cargo through Nepal Customs. So, if you are planning to ship cargo, be sure to arrive in Kathmandu on a weekday (M-F) before the scheduled beginning of our expedition, so you don't miss any critical team orientation meetings, etcetera. You may need to pay some fees to the Nepal Government at the time of pickup. Always be sure to speak to the government officer in-charge there, not a middleman from a freight forwarding company, as they will add on a lot of needless charges. If you have filled out the packing list with amounts stated minimally at point of origin, its mostly used equipment and personal food, and everything is for your personal use during the expedition only, and you say you will take the rest back to your country, your fees payed to the Nepal Government will be very small indeed.

You will have to request shipping times and charges from your local agent as we don't know the details from your country.

Will there be time to hire-rent-purchase my equipment, boots, and clothing in Kathmandu?Open in a new window

Our planned schedule allows plenty of time for equipment shopping in Kathmandu, where there are so many shops that you will find almost everything you need, except good high-altitude mittens and gloves.

For prices at Kathmandu shops, please "click here" . For information about using your credit, bank, cash, ATM card in Nepal & Tibet, please "click here" . For more information about how much cash to bring, please"click here" .

Warm mittens are necessary for North Col. Please don't frostbite your hands. We prefer mittens to gloves, as mittens are so much warmer. We are not sure who makes the best gloves. The warmest mittens come with a sturdy Goretex outer shell and a very warm polar fleece removable mitten liner.

You won't need to wear any liner gloves inside these mitts (they already have their own integral liner) so fit is very important. In Kathmandu you can find good quality Black Diamond and Mountain Hardwear mittens.

How much are the prices for boots, clothing, shoes, mattresses, and climbing equipment in Kathmandu?Open in a new window

Most equipment, boots, clothing, shoes, mattresses are available for purchase and hire in Kathmandu, with the exception of good high altitude handwear. We allow extra time for our leaders to check your equipment in Kathmandu. If you need additional items, we allow time for shopping and havestaff and members to show you where the shops are.

For information about using your credit, bank, cash, ATM card in Nepal & Tibet, please "click here" . For more information about how much cash to bring, please"click here" .

There are so many shops in Kathmandu, you will find almost everything you need.

Do you provide secure facilities to store my excess baggage & valuables in Kathmandu?Open in a new window

We provide secure facilities in Kathmandu in which to store your extra personal items such as luggage, extra money, credit cards, passports (those people going to Tibet need their passports), jewelry, expensive watches, etcetera. These facilities are kept locked, watched, and nothing has ever been lost.

When you pack your bags in Kathmandu, please organize your materials into two locking duffle kit bags weighing no more than 20 kilos/44 pounds each. These are the bags that will be put on the truck and tied on the yaks, so please make sure they are strong and secure. You will be able to store your excess baggage in Kathmandu.

In Nepal, using your bank, cash or atm card (as long as it's a Cirrus, Plus, or Visa), you can usually obtain rupees at a bank machine in Kathmandu. The machine will not give you dollars, or any other foreign currency. Sometimes, foreign cards dont work in Nepal. The most international bank is Standard and Chartered, and if you plan on using a credit card, you might ask your company to check if your card will work at S&C.

In Tibet, there is a new cash machine in Zhangmu (just across the border from Nepal), hopefully it's still working. Those of you going to Tibet may wish to consider bringing only dollars or changing all of your currency into local currency in Zhangmu, upon crossing into Tibet from Nepal.

Your Nepal visa is conveniently purchased by you upon arrival at the Kathmandu airport. It is not necessary to purchase a Nepalese visa prior to landing in Nepal. The cost of a 90 day visa is approximately $100 USD & a 30 day visa costs approximately $60. Please bring cash and 2 extra passport-sized photos (extra photos are necessary to obtain the visa in the airport).

For Tibet visa for your expedition or trek - We provide you special support in Kathmandu to organizing your Tibet-China visa. Be ready to pay up to $220 USD (US citizens) and $165 USD (non-US citizens) for your Tibetan visa. It may be cheaper, but we will tell you and provide a receipt. Thank you. Please Note: Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the END of the expedition and contain at least 2 blank pages.

Nearly all developed countries have agents who offer travel and mountain climbing insurance at a reasonable price. Full-coverage insurance is essential, because it not only covers mountain climbing, but also travel to and from the mountain. This could cover you for lost bags, a car accident on the way to the airport, etcetera. When you see what high-quality insurance covers, you will realize that it is a very good value. BEFORE PURCHASING, BE SURE TO REQUEST A COPY OF THE POLICY AND BE SURE TO READ AND UNDERSTAND IT. Please enclose proof of insurance with your final team-membership payment. If you are one of the unfortunates who come from a country where such insurance is not available, we will accept an authorization letter and your credit card. You must be covered for travel, full domestic rescue, helicopter (where available) and international rescue and repatriation expenses. NO CREDIT CARD AUTHORIZATION = NO EXPEDITION MEMBERSHIP.

(Get the "Adventurer Plus Pak". This Pak is required to receive medical and evacuation coverage for mountaineering and a rental allowance in the event your gear is lost. To receive this benefit, your policy and Pak must be purchased within 21 days of initial trip deposit.

http://www.snowcard.co.uk/Mountaineering up to 5000m covered on Extreme Adventure package and up to 7000m guided only on Pro adventure Package. Insurance policies available from this website can only be used by uk & channel islands residents

In the US and Canada, your total full-coverage insurance package may vary, depending on trip duration and amount of coverage. We have seen several companies that offer comprehensive plans for travel and mountain rescue. A company called Global rescue is worth checking out; http://www.globalrescue.com , which can be combined with a standard travel policy.

Those who wish to shop further, or have higher incomes and/or assets to protect may also be interested in: Access America, Travelex, Travel Guard, etc. Be sure to check what the policy covers before you buy.

The most important precaution while climbing peaks of this altitude is to be aware of proper acclimatization and to be sure that you are well adapted to the altitude before moving up the mountain. If you have never been to such a high altitude before, we encourage you to try Diamox .

BOTH full-service and basic expeditions are allowed access to our extensive medical supplies, first-aid kits, medical oxygen, a gamow bag, climbing ropes and anchors. Our methods and equipment used in expedition climbing and trekking are time-tested over more than 20 years. We do not spare expense and have a complete range of equipment and very in-depth knowledge and experience in the use of lead and fixing ropes, rock-ice-snow anchors, rescue equipment, communications equipment, full-climbing equipment for safe ascent and descent, cookers, fuels, cooking equipment, proper and nutritious foods, hydration supplies and techniques, a vast array of tents (both used and used), high-altitude camping equipment, and the best oxygen equipment available.

Our philosophy is one of "It is better too bring too much than not enough". We believe that our philosophy of being extra prepared is one of the key factors in our long tradition of successful ascents.

Our leaders are highly trained and extremely experienced in diagnosing and treating illness and injury in the Himalaya, and are well equipped with extensive medical kits. Hopefully, a doctor or medical professional will be present. We encourage doctors and medical professionals who climb and trek to join our teams, in return for a 5 % discount. Out of our last nine expeditions, six had a doctor, and two had more than one doctor. However, please remember that these people are here to get away from their normal hospital routine, and have come to climb and trek, and they are not here to operate an "expedition health clinic". Thank you.

In case of emergency, God forbid, our leader and Sherpas would help apply first aid, provide medicines and assistance with our medical oxygen, and "Gamow-Bag", then we would transport you to basecamp, or advanced basecamp, where an evacuation would take place. In Nepal, this evacuation would be via helicopter, at your expense.

In Tibet and China, neither helicopters nor light aircraft are allowed. The evacuation might be via Yak and Jeep to the nearest hospital. The nearest hospital is in Kathmandu. You might reach KTM by road or you may have to take a helicopter from the border to KTM, again, all at your expense.

BE SURE TO PURCHASE GOOD QUALITY CLIMBING, TRIP INTERRUPTION AND TRAVEL INSURANCE.

Is it true there is neither helicopter nor light aircraft rescue in Tibet and China?Open in a new window

Yes, this is true. All rescues in those countries are done by human, livestock, and wheeled vehicle to the nearest hospital. However, you will still need to be insured because emergency yaks, jeeps, and rescue teams can be extremely expensive, as the nearest hospital is in Kathmandu. You might reach KTM by road or you may have to take a helicopter from the border to KTM.BE SURE TO PURCHASE GOOD QUALITY CLIMBING, TRIP INTERRUPTION AND TRAVEL INSURANCE.

Only in extremely rare cases do such things happen, but, lets be honest, risks are present when climbing the highest mountains in the world. However, optimists will tell you that your chances of being involved in an auto-accident on the way to or from the airport might be greater than during the actual climb itself. BE SURE TO PURCHASE GOOD QUALITY CLIMBING AND TRAVEL INSURANCE.

WE NOW REQUIRE A SPECIAL AUTHORIZATION LETTER TO BE ON FILE WITH OUR KATHMANDU OFFICE IN CASE OF A HELICOPTER OR OTHER RESCUE (where applicable).

In the very rare case of an emergency, this letter authorizes our agent and rescue companies to organise a rescue on your behalf. The letter is part of the forms you must sign, in order to register for the trip. The letter will be kept locked in our safe and we have never had a problem with this in the past. Some insurance companies respond to a rescue request on a 24 hour basis. Other insurance companies do not, and you file your claim after returning to your home country, so we need the rescue letter on hand, with payment instructions. Obviously, we need to be able to send a helicopter and/or special rescue jeep and rescue team immediately, in case of the unlikely event you are injured and unable to walk, or perhaps unconscious. Please Click here for Helicopter or other Rescue form . Or Please Click here for Download the form . Thank you very much.

In Kathmandu, for a few days only, at the beginning and the end of the trip, you pay for your own meals . There are a wide variety of tasty restaurants in Kathmandu serving continental and Asian food. Prices are reasonable compared to what you would pay at home, depending on how much alcohol you wish to drink with each meal. We do not encourage our members to drink too much. For example 10 - 30 US dollars, 5 - 15 pounds, 7 - 22 euros, a day should be enough for all of your meals. Please review how much cash to bring for the expedition. Thank you.

On the drive to basecamp we stay in rustic "hotels", at the organizers expense, so you do not have to pay. In Tibet, all hotels are government property and we are not allowed to choose one hotel over another. The "hotels" are rather austere. Rooms are generally shared, and the accommodations are very primitive. Most towns in Tibet have no plumbing. Here is some text from the Lhakpa Ri/North Col itinerary page :

During the drive to basecamp the organizers will pay for all of your meals. We will eat 3 meals a day in Tibetan/Chinese restaurants attached to the hotels we stay in. Our hosts prepare 3 hot meals a day for us, and the food is adequate; some people even consider it tasty. Tibetan cooks use many fresh ingredients, including fresh vegetables and meats, and fresh bread and boiled eggs for breakfast. If you are a vegetarian, be sure and tell us, so we can instruct the cooks to prepare vegetarian dishes, no problem.

We stay in Chinese basecamp for just a few days then walk to advanced basecamp. Then we climb the mountain using camp 1. Camp 1 is our high camp. We have an individual tent for each team member in advanced basecamp, so you do not have to share and can have some privacy. Tents in Camp 1 will be shared. Go to our Group Equipment section to learn more about what we bring for you, including sleeping, kitchen, dining, toilet, and shower tents.

Our well-prepared, simple, and nutritious meals in basecamp and advanced basecamp feature local cuisine and cooks. Our skillful and hard working cooks prepare three delicious hot meals each day with a very healthy diet of fresh vegetables, cheeses, eggs, and fresh as well as tinned fruits, meats and fish (all meats and fish are prepared separately out of respect for the vegetarians in our midst). They supply you with unlimited hot-drinks, the key to successful acclimatization. We have large weather-proof kitchens and dining tents, with comfortable chairs and tables. These meals are included at the organizers expense on the mountain. Please be sure to tell our leaders and cooks if you have special dietary needs, such as, vegetarian, food allergies, etcetera.

We do not carry imported specialties such as “freeze-dried-food”, imported tinned meats and fish, nor imported sausages and cheeses. If you wish to eat these items, please bring them from your home.

On the mountain we supply plenty of food for you to cook 3 hot meals each day. This food will consist of soup, local cheese & sausage, biscuits, dried noodles, potatoes, rice, porridge, butter, dried and tinned vegetables, fruit, meats, and fish, tea with milk and sugar, powdered juice drink, and drinking chocolate. Our sherpas will be carrying this food to the higher camps.

We ask each member to bring their own imported daily snack and energy foods. We also ask members to bring 2 freeze-dried meals for their summit attempt. We do not provide cold “snack” food such as chocolate or "energy-bars". We ask that you bring or buy your own "snack" or daily cold energy food, 2-4 kilos/4-8 pounds, is a good amount. A growing variety of imported foods such as European and American cheeses, chocolates, biscuits, cookies, nuts, and locally made power-bars are now available in Kathmandu, at realistic prices. However, imported power bars, GU, re-hydration drinks, freeze-dried food, imported cheese and sausage are not available. If you want these items, you must bring them from your home country.Many of our members, especially Britons, Europeans, and Australians with tiny baggage allowances, now purchase their daily snacks in Kathmandu. Our schedule in Kathmandu allows plenty of time for shopping.

We provide you with a special high altitude stove and fuel canisters. Our stoves are of the "hanging" type, designed to be used inside the tent (well ventilated of course). We have found these to be the best possible stoves for high altitude use, as it is essential to cook inside the tent during stormy weather. Our stoves are suspended above the floor so you have room to sit comfortably and warmly in your sleeping bag while cooking.

Our high altitude fuel is of two types. Above 7000 metres/23,000 feet we use imported propane/butane 250 gramme canisters. Below 7000 metres/23,000 feet we refill the canisters with propane gas. Liquid fuel does not work above 6000 metres/19,700 feet so we don't use liquid fuel above basecamp or advanced basecamp.

Our skillful cooks prepare 3 delicious hot meals and plenty of drinks each day in basecamp and advanced basecamp.

On the mountain we supply plenty of food for you to cook 3 hot meals each day. This food will consist of soup, local cheese & sausage, biscuits, dried noodles, potatoes, rice, porridge, butter, dried and tinned vegetables, fruit, meats, and fish, tea with milk and sugar, powdered juice drink, and drinking chocolate. Our sherpas will be carrying this food to the higher camps.

We ask each member to bring their own imported daily snack and energy foods. We also ask members to bring 2 dehydrated meals (freeze-dried dinners) for their summit attempt.

We do not provide cold “snack” food such as chocolate or "energy-bars". We ask that you bring or buy your own "snack" or daily cold energy food, 2-4 kilos/4-8 pounds, is a good amount. A growing variety of imported foods such as European and American cheeses, chocolates, biscuits, cookies, nuts, and locally made power-bars are now available in Kathmandu, at realistic prices. However, imported power bars, GU, re-hydration drinks, dehydrated food, "freeze-dried meals", imported cheese and sausage are not available. If you want these items, you must bring them from your home country.Many of our members, especially Britons, Europeans, and Australians with tiny baggage allowances, now purchase their daily snacks in Kathmandu. Our schedule in Kathmandu allows plenty of time for shopping.

We have a satellite telephone members can use for incoming and outgoing calls for $4 a minute. In addition, members can receive short text messages/SMS for $4 a message from their friends and family.

SummitClimb has a local agent in Nepal available from 9:00 a.m.-9:00 p.m. Nepal time. Family and friends can contact our agent and have their emergency messages relayed to members on the mountain during the expedition.

We bring one 2-way-radio for each camp, and a satellite telephone for international voice telephone calls. We use simple 'walkie-talkie' radios which are effective, but have a shorter range. We do not use 'vhf' or 'uhf' radios. We strive to have one radio per camp, however, not per person on the mountain.

Laptops work well up to about 4000 metres/13,000 feet. Altitude can destroy or wipe hard drives bigger than 7 - 10 GB above this altitude, or hard drives that have a moving disk. There are several options out on the market for non moving hard drives that work well in altitude. Panasonic make a special laptop called a "Toughbook"; it is expensive, but I once chipped one out of the ice in a tent at 7500 metres and it still worked.

Note: Some early ipod and mp3 players have this problem as well. Check to make sure your ipod does not have a moving drive, especially before you turn it on above 4000 metres. We have had several instances where these were wiped or crashed.

Digital cameras work well. We recommend that you keep them in your jacket during the day and in your sleeping bag at night.

Many members do bring their laptop , ipod, mp3 player, and/or digital camera.

We bring a solar charging system on the expedition that members have access to. As long as there is sun, we are able to charge batteries easily on the mountain.

Bring the "wall charger" for your appliance and if possible, please bring an automotive 12 volt charger for your laptop, digital cameras, ipod, and mp3 players, as you can plug it straight into our solar system.

In Nepal and Tibet, electricity comes from the mains in your hotel at 220 volts with a European style two-round-pin plug. There is an automatic converter in most North American appliances which will allow you to plug 110 volt items into the 220 volt electricity in Nepal and Tibet. Please be sure to read the back of your appliance or charger to make sure it does this conversion automatically.

If you are in a hotel or village in Tibet, you may have to plug into the ceiling light fixture and it's possible to buy a simple bayonet adapter in Kathmandu, Zhangmu, etcetera. Warning, there are power spikes and surges which may damage your appliance.

Any small and light camera will be fine. Many people use digital cameras now, and download their photos on our laptop in basecamp (our laptop works at high altitude, while yours might not, so check carefully before bringing your own laptop).

There are new digital video cameras that are small and light and work well. Many peoples bring them and there has been some very good quality movies made by our members. Some members have even edited their own feature length films from video they took with one of these good-quality small 'handi-cams'.

Our members take great photos and we might ask your permission to use them in news stories on our news website. Of course you will be credited as the photographer.

If you are planning to download your photos, then you have to bring your own lead/cable and your own software, if available. Digital cameras also have the advantage of being able to take small video clips. We love seeing your video clips on our site and they really add to the excitement of telling the story of your climb. There are some good digital cameras that will work well in the $200, £100, or €135 range.

Be sure you always keep your camera in a plastic bag in the inside pocket of your jacket and you will have to sleep with it at night. You never want it to become cold or be exposed to wind, snow, dust, moisture or rain.

With any camera, make sure you have your battery/charging system well-thought-out before you leave home, as options to figure this out in the mountains will be limited.

"Full Service" expeditions feature almost every imaginable service. "Basic-Climbs" feature the lowest possible prices. Please read down through the questions to learn more.

NOTE: Our Basic climb is open to groups of two or more. We welcome you to join the basic-climb as an individual and hire a climbing sherpa or join our full-service programme. Our full service climbs are open to members joining as individuals and groups of two or more. If you wish to save money, we encourage you to see "what the basic-climb includes" on the "cost" page.

NOTE: Our Basic climb is open to groups of two or more. We welcome you to join the basic-climb as an individual and hire a climbing sherpa or join our full-service programme. Our full service climbs are open to members joining as individuals and groups of two or more. If you wish to save money see "what the basic-climb includes" on the "cost" page for Lhakpa Ri/North Col on the upper right hand side of this site.

Transport to basecamp to/from Kathmandu, for you and your personal equipment only (boots, ice axe, clothing, sleeping bag), including accommodation and meals on the road (You must pay transport charges for excess equipment);

A walkie-talkie radio is provided to stay linked-in with the leader of the full service expedition while on the mountain;

Yak transport of your personal equipment only (boots, ice axe, clothing, sleeping bag), from the road to and from advanced basecamp (You must pay transport charges for excess equipment);

Yes, upon arrival in Kathmandu, all members are required to participate in a day of training and orientation (unless you have made special arrangements). Upon reaching basecamp or advanced basecamp, ALL full-service and basic-climb members are again required to participate in one to two days of training (unless you have made special arrangements) in the areas of climbing techniques, glacier travel, rope fixing, ascending, descending, safety techniques, rappels (abseils), belaying, medical equipment and procedures, communications equipment, camping techniques and high-altitude cooking. For the expert and beginner alike, it is important to review these techniques in order to enhance skills, ensure safety-awareness, and learn to work together as a team. Please make sure you have studied the standard books, such as "Mountaineering, Freedom of the Hills", and are comfortable and familiar with the necessary climbing techniques, before joining our team. Thank you for being a well-prepared and safe team member!

When you pack your bags in Kathmandu, please organize your materials into two locking duffle kit bags weighing no more than 20 kilos/44 pounds each. These are the bags that will be put on the truck and tied on the yaks, so please make sure they are strong and secure. You will be able to store your excess baggage in Kathmandu.

How do basic climbing members organize transport of their additional equipment to basecamp and ABC?Open in a new window

Basic climbers are allowed to bring 40 kilos each free, after that, they need to pay extra luggage transport charges.

If they want us to arrange their baggage, then the cost per person is as follows (must be payed 60 days in advance):

For altitudes below 7000 metres, we are glad to provide any epi gas you might need at a cost of $4 per cylinder. You may be able to find it cheaper in Kathmandu.

For high altitude above 7000 metres, we are glad to provide epi gas at a cost of $8 per cylinder. Beware of refilled cylinders. It's the special certified high altitude gas with the contents guaranteed to contain the special high altitude 8000 metre mix.

When calculating your gas please estimate approximaltely 1 250 gm cylinder per-day per-person. We would need to receive these funds in advance so that we can pre-order the gas.Thank you.

We will buy-back any gas you don't use for 50% of what you payed.

Will our basic team be able to stay in contact with the leader of the full service expedition while on the mountain?Open in a new window

A walkie-talkie radio is provided for every basic team to stay linked-in with the leader and full service expedition while on the mountain.

Below are some short video clips taken from our recent Mount Everest North Col / Lhakpa Ri climbing expedition. Please click the picture or title in the left column to view each clip. In the right column is the description for each video.

You can can go to their site www.videolandproductions.com and email info@videolandproductions.com or call (+1)360-491-1332 to buy any and all of the mountain climbing and trekking films we have. Please tell them we said hi!

We will be expanding this section with more Lhakpa Ri/North Col video clips.

What questions do you have? Please ask as many questions as possible. This helps us to have a proper conversation so we can better understand one-another's expectations, so you will have a very safe, enjoyable, and succesful expedition. Thank you. Before completing the application forms, please be sure to carefully study the Lhakpa Ri/North Col "Questions" website for information regarding flights, payment, team members, application forms, insurance, etcetera: Lhakpa Ri/North Col Frequently Asked Questions.

Below you should find a pdf or MS document containing the application pro forma. Are you able to read it? When all of your questions have been answered to your satisfaction, please print out the application and return it to us with your refundable ten-percent deposit, to hold your place in our team. Would you please just post it to us at the mailing address you will find on the form? Thank you very much. If you decide not to go, your deposit will be refunded according to our refund policy. Your registration and the final payment must be completed two months prior to the expedition starting date. Thank you very much.

Here is a checklist of what we need to have in your file at least two months before the trip begins. We encourage you to send an electronic scan of all of the below documents, please be sure they are signed. Thank you:

What questions do you have? Please ask as many questions as possible. This helps us to have a proper conversation so we can better understand one-another's expectations, so you will have a very safe, enjoyable, and successful expedition. Thank you. Before completing the application forms, please be sure to carefully study the Lhakpa Ri/North Col "Questions" website for information regarding flights, payment, team members, application forms, insurance, etcetera:

Below you should find a pdf or MS document containing the application pro forma. Are you able to read it? When all of your questions have been answered to your satisfaction, please print out the application and return it to us with your refundable ten-percent deposit, to hold your place in our team. Would you please just post it to us at the mailing address you will find on the form? Thank you very much. If you decide not to go, your deposit will be refunded according to our refund policy. Your registration and the final payment must be completed two months prior to the expedition starting date. Thank you very much.

Here is a checklist of what we need to have in your file at least two months before the trip begins. We encourage you to send an electronic scan of all of the below documents, please be sure they are signed. Thank you:

Please do let us know what further questions you may have about the registration process, or anything else for that matter. Thank you.

Welcome to our team.

What our clients say?

Here is what Troy says:

"First of all thanks for everything. I appreciate everything you did to make this a safe and successful expedition."

Here is what Bruce says:

"I thought the expedition worked well and it was another good group of people you put together. I look forward to climbing together again and seeing you next time."

Here is what Steven Says

I just wanted to say thanks to all of the SummitClimb team for a great trip, as you know things were up and down and changing almost every day and in some cases every hour.

The SummitClimb leader did a great job with me and the clients he has, I realise the rest of the group are still on Everest or Cho I am back home now and just wanted to say Thanks for all your help.Can you please pass on my best regards to everyone.